In both case, this artifact is the earliest identified physical evidence for European contact in Samoa. This tobacco pipe with its distinctive markings is believed to be the handiwork of Robert Cotton, a “tobacco-pipe-maker” from London who arrived at Jamestown in January 1608 aboard the Phoenix. The pipe, produced from Virginia pink clay, includes a fleur-de-lis design on its stem, a standard decorative scheme for London-made pipes. This pipe was found throughout archaeological excavations at James Fort and doubtless dates to round 1610.
Along with lots of the different consumer items of the eighteenth century American family, white clay pipes like this have been primarily manufactured in Britain. Pipes like these might have arrived at Mount Vernon by way of bulk purchases by George Washington, who himself placed at least two orders by way of his London merchant for pipes in 1762 and 1773. Alternatively, such objects had been Filling cut tobacco readily available for purchase from the local shops frequented by much less affluent free, and a few enslaved, individuals. Such pipes had been fragile, however cheap within the eighteenth century. Their ubiquitous presence in everyday life, signifies that they are a typical discover on eighteenth century archaeological websites.
Today, sales of pipes and pipe tobacco are miniscule in contrast with cigar sales. Some studies place pipe smoking down around eighty p.c over the past decade. Even Dunhill, an iconic British pipe producer well-known for placing a white dot on its pipes, is getting out of the enterprise, taking their cigar commerce with them.
It is grown all around the world but notably in the US, Malawi, Mozambique and Mexico. Virginia is the most broadly used leaf tobacco. Leaf colours ranges from golden, lemon, orange and mahogany. Virginia has a excessive content material of pure sugar and a sweet taste. Virginia is harvested leaf-by-leaf from the bottom of the plant.
Pipe tobacco blends could be obtained in numerous codecs. Common cuts embrace flake, unfastened cut tobacco pipe and prepared rubbed. To preserve the freshness and moisture of pipe tobacco cuts, pouches and tins are used.