I recently received a package from Tracy Kessler and Charlotte Stiverson, teachers at the Columbus School for Girls, including letters written by the students who are working hard to have the Adena Effigy Pipe recognized as Ohio’s official State Artifact. All of the letters expressed gratitude for their recent tour of the OHS archaeology exhibits and most listed the artifacts that had made the strongest impression on them. Not surprisingly, the Adena Effigy Pipe was mentioned most frequently and three of the letters included drawings of the pipe, which I am pleased to share. The Adena Effigy Pipe is a powerful, iconic object and visitors to the exhibits frequently mention it as a highlight of the displays. It would be hard to choose a more appropriate single object to represent Ohio’s ancient American Indian cultures! When the Cincinnati artist Charley Harper created a collage of the Ohio’s Historical Society’s archaeological masterpieces, he wisely placed the Adena Effigy Pipe at the center of the composition. Come and visit the exhibit and experience the power of this remarkable sculpture for yourself! And support House Bill 501 that would recognize it as Ohio’s State Artifact!
Brad Lepper
