Many immigrants to the confluence region drew from their homeland traditions to build industries that gained national prominence. From corncob pipes and musical instruments such as zithers to rifles and stained glass, these businesses shaped the identities of their local communities.
Looking Prompts
Choose one of these three objects:
- Imagine you are an art detective who has found this object and would like to discover more about it. Draw a detailed sketch of your object.
- What do you notice about the materials that the object is made with? Write notes around your page to describe what you have discovered.
- What do you wonder about this object?
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About this Artwork
Though varied in design, these three pipes demonstrate the innovation and style of the Missouri Meerschaum Company, the world’s oldest and largest manufacturer of corncob pipes. Founder Henry Tibbe used his wood-turning skills to fashion pipes out of corncobs, patenting his process of adding plaster to harden and fireproof the cob. Tibbe, a Dutch immigrant, connected his new and old countries by combining local Missouri corn with European pipe traditions, naming his company Meerschaum after a traditional Dutch pipe. The largest pipe shown here was made from a design proposed by General Douglas MacArthur.
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Image Credits
Image Credits in Order of Appearance
(top left) made by Missouri Meerschaum Company, Washington, Missouri, founded 1907; Corncob Pipe, c.1940; corncob and plastic; 3 x 6 x 1 1/2 inches; (top right) designed by Henry Tibbe, American (born Netherlands), 1819–1896; made by H. Tibbe & Son Co., Washington, Missouri, 1869–1907; Original Corncob Pipe, designed 1878; corncob, bamboo, and metal; 8 x 4 x 1 1/2 inches; (center) designed by General Douglas MacArthur, American, 1880–1964; made by Missouri Meerschaum Company, Washington, Missouri, founded 1907; MacArthur Five-Star Corncob Pipe, designed 1951; corncob, wood, and plastic; 4 1/2 x 9 1/2 x 2 inches; Washington Historical Society, Washington, MO 2021.62.1-.3