The term Peace Pipe is a white man's term, and were called Calumets by the Native Americans, named after Calamus...the "stalk" or "reed." It is properly referred to as the Sacred Pipe. The pipe bowl commonly was carved from hard wood, molded from clay or carved from red pipestone called Catlinite. Other stones such as Sandstone, Soapstone, hard stones such as Granite, Quartzite and Steatite were also used. The Peace Pipe has long been known by the White Man as a token of peace and treaties...to seal an agreement. Probably, though no person knows for sure, the first time the "peace pipe" term was used was when a peace treaty was being signed. The pipe would have been used to seal the bargain and the white man would likely have referred to it as a pipe of peace.There are Calumets for sacred and ceremonial purposes, and public arrangements. The Sacred Pipe is not generally used for public gatherings. Intentions could often be told by how the stem was carved or decorated with feathers when smoked. Both Bowl and Pipe designs may be simple or elaborate, and may be carved from stone, horn, antler, bone or wood.