Chillum (pipe)
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A chillum, or chilam, is a pipe used by Indian Sadhu holy men,[1] Rastafarians and by many recreational drug users to smoke cannabis, opium, tobacco, etc.
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[edit] Function
A chillum is a conical pipe usually made out of clay, a cow's horn, or glass, stone, or even wood. Chillums have been used since at least the 18th century as pipes by Sadhus in India to imbibe cannabis.[2] They have also recently been used by Rastafarians[3][4] in reasoning sessions and grounations.
[edit] Method
The cannabis may be mixed with tobacco. A wet cloth is put over the mouthpiece to filter, as well as provide a good grip. The type of cannabis used is most commonly Hashish . Since Hashish is solid, it is softened by the heat of a lighter and then molded into small tiny pieces, then released into a small mixing bowl, usually half a coconut, a sea-shell or one made out of clay (or FIMO). Once the mixture has effectively been prepared, it takes great caution to load it into the barrel of the chillum. The chillum is lit on top and slowly burnt by the sizzling hot stone which lies underneath the mix, inside the barrel. Lighting the chillum is an honorary act and the chillum can then be passed to the next person in the circle, in a specific direction, according to the custom tribute. Two traditional methods of using a chillum exist, the Hindu and Rastafari:
[edit] Hindu Ceremony
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In the Hindu ceremony, the safi (or saath) cloth is wetted, the stone (gitthuck in hindi) inserted and then the mix is deposited in the chillum until it is full. Then the mouth piece of the chillum is cupped between two hands forming a closed chamber so that the smoker may inhale the smoke without touching the chillum with his lips.
A match is struck by a second party and, before the smoker inhales, various praises to Shiva will be chanted such as "Boom Shankar" or "Boom Bolenath". The smoker must inhale heavily to ignite the chillum adequately which he will then pass always to the person on his right, preferably supporting his right arm with his left (except for Kali chillums which are passed to the left and usually include opium and ganja in the mix).
The required etiquette can become quite complex and the average Westerner has little or no chance of meeting the ritual standards of a sadhu.
[edit] Rastafari Ceremony
In the Rastafari ceremony, the ritual chillum used is made of a cow's horn or wood fitted with a large, conical wooden bowl and with a long tube made of rubber or plastic. The chillum is called a chalice based on a quote from the Biblical book of Deuteronomy.[5] Thanks and praises are offered to the Rastafari God Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia before the chillum is smoked.[6] Sr.
[edit] Types of Chillum
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This article does not cite any references or sources. (January 2008) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed. |
Recently the (ITALIAN CHILLUM) have come into fashion. Some of the italian designers are Alverman, Manu and Daniele and their chillums are made of ceramic. These are often seen on the goa trance scene.
Another type of chillum that has become more prevalent recently is cleverly disguised as a cigarette. These chillums, affectionately referred to as "churms" by their users, allow for discreet public smoking.
[edit] References
- ^ Dolf Hartsuiker. Holy Smoke. Sadhus and Yogis of India.
- ^ A bidri chillum, India, 18th Century
- ^ Spotlight on Rastafarian sects
- ^ 'Rasta in Transition' launched at Livity Restaurant
- ^ The Rastafari by Maria Baptist
- ^ The Rastafarians by Leonard E. Barrett 1988
[edit] See also
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