Calumet: peace-making and diplomatic object among the Comanche People

Staff Writer


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What will bring us peace? Many often ask. For the Comanche of Native America, their belief and adulation of calumet is a trait our world should consider and if necessary, adopt moving forward. In this piece, a brief description of the Comanche people will guide us through examining why calumet is important in their society and tradition. It must be stated that calumet is not a tradition solely practised by the Comanche. Like most Native American tribes, they consider not only the symbolism of the calumet, but also its efficacy in uniting tribes, and warring people, or even can be a safe passage for an enemy if carried as an olive branch.

Comanche: Who are they?

The name Comanche comes from the word ‘Ute’ which means “anyone who fights the other all the time.” The word can also mean “the enemy.” For the Comanches, they call themselves “Nermurnuh” meaning the "true humans" or “the people.” The Comanches are known for their bravery and equestrian prowess. As legend has it, they fought off many Native Indian tribes as well as the European settlers in the Great Plains. Their being in contact with European settlers, especially the Spanish became the reason why they were skilled in horse riding, horse breeding and fighting on horseback.

The Comanches made their homes on the Great Plains which include Southwest Oklahoma, Texas, California, and New Mexico. Previously, the Comanches were part of the Wyoming Shoshone, but their belligerent way of life helped force them to the south as they pillaged and defeated other tribes and people (the Mexicans, the Spanish, and the Americans) on their way. Their notoriety on battlefields was obnoxious that the defeated in battlefields were shamed and some parts of their bodies, such as scalps were taken as trophies.  

Different Bands of the Comanches

The Comanches are divided into 5 big bands:

  •        Yamparika – they are the "root eaters” whose principal chief was Ten Bears (Parrawasamen) [1860-72].
  •        Kotsoteka – they are the “buffalo eaters” whose principal chief was Mow-way (1825-1886).
  •        Penateka – they are “honey eaters” whose general leader was Tosahwi, meaning the “White Knife” (1805/10-1878/80). He was regarded as a man of peace.
  •       Nokoni – they are “those who turn back” whose commander in chief was Kiyou, meaning “Horseback” (1805/1810-1888).
  •        Quahadis – the “antelopes” whose last chief was Quanah Parker (1845-1911). He was notable for his resistance to the European settlers.

As warriors, the Comanches were formidable groups in battles. As confident and accomplished horse riders, their conquests of different tribes and people were threats to those around them. Hence, the relevance and symbolism of the calumet.

Calumet: Peace-making and diplomatic object

The calumet is embedded in a ceremony among Native Americans as a means of trading between different bands or between tribes for food and other needs. The calumet is a “peace pipe” that can be used to communicate with the spirits through chanting, praying and puffing of smoke. The word “calumet” can be said to be an old French term, “chalemel” which means “reed.”

As noted by a French missionary, Father Jacques Marquette, the calumet had two usages: one type of calumet serves for war purposes and the other serves for peace purposes. So, the calumet can be a symbol of peace and a symbol of conquest. As such, one type can be an object of peace and diplomacy and the other type can be an object of religious services in war times.

The calumet is said to be made from hollow cane with an estimated length of 2 feet. It’s decorated with the long, beautiful feathers of birds, as well as the heads or necks of some birds. The calumet pipe bowls can be fashioned from a red stone or pipestone located in the Pipestone Quarry in Southwestern Minnesota. The stem so made from hollow cane is made to fit the bowl. The calumet is used to smoke tobacco as a way of making offerings to the spirits.  

Arguably, the warring communities of the Comanche might have adopted the calumet as an object of establishing peace among themselves, hence it is called the “Peace Pipe.” During the calumet ceremony, great things happen. Once the Peace Pipe is introduced, the people though different and unrelated become one people, one family. They make exchanges of gifts, as well as exchanges between men and women from different tribes. In that ceremony, men and women from different bands are allowed to associate with and even court one another.  

Not minding the tactlessness of the Comanches, hence their rampant battles with their neighbours and European settlers, the calumet at a time was seen by outsiders as a tool for unsolicited negotiation of safety. Hence, the calumet guarantees even people who are mortal enemies the assurance that they are safe especially when they carry the calumets. The power and influence of the calumet pushed the European settlers to adopt the habit of smoking pipes as a way of acknowledging and recognising the people’s culture and submitting to their protégé.

The calumet can be said to be a tool used for prayers, to placate and communicate with the spirits. It can also be considered an object of peace and diplomacy. Whichever way the calumet is understood, it is an ordinary man-made object that is associated with religious meaning and significance not only to the Comanches and Native Americans but also to European settlers.     

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