17th century Dutch Pipe

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This pipe originates from the wreckage of a Dutch warship found in Scarborough Harbour, Tobago. The ship met its fate during the 1677 Battle of Rockley Bay. Dr. Kroum Batchvarov of the University of Connecticut is heading an investigation into the wreck site. To learn more about this artifact and numerous others discovered underwater, visit http://tobagoshipwrecks.com/. This pipe likely belonged to a poor sailor. The majority of pipes found on the wreck appear to have been among the most affordable options available during the 17th century. They featured simple decorations, if any, that seem to have been hastily applied. Many of the pipes also showed signs of exfoliation and pitting, indicating that the pipe makers used low-quality clay containing impurities that expanded and flaked off during firing. These were personal belongings of humble seamen, not wealthy merchants.