A Yankee Doodle Pipe from Dunning
During the recent excavation of ground at St Serf’s Church at Dunning, Perth and Kinross, archaeologists from AOC Archaeology Group were surprised to find a rare, caricature clay pipe, dating from 1880-1900.
The manufacture of clay pipes in Britain began in the 16th century after the initial introduction of tobacco from America. Initially small due to the expense of tobacco, clay pipes had doubled in size by 1750, when imports from the American Colonies dropped in price. Generally plain and utilitarian in appearance due to the fact they broke easily, the development in manufacturing techniques allowed pipe makers to experiment in shape and form. By the 19th century novelty pipes had become hugely popular, with three French manufactures, offering over three thousand different designs in the shape of people, animals and plants.
The Dunning example, known as a ‘Yankee Doodle’ is in the shape of a head wearing a top hat and monocle, with thin elongated features but with an exaggerated, slightly negroid appearance. Though far from common, similar examples of Yankee Doodle pipes are known from England, where there is a tradition of comic pipes, such as Ally Sloper pipes and political caricatures. Though unmarked, the south of England is a likely origin for the Dunning pipe.
Comparable to the later image of Uncle Sam, the Yankee Doodle image represents the American nation, and was based on the song widely used in the American War of Independence. The song had a continued popularity during the 19th century, encouraged by the publication of American music. The figure wears a style of hat that is an attribute of the ‘Uncle Sam’ but the face appears to be based on the distinctive long features of Andrew Jackson, president of the United States 1829-37. Jackson was a national hero after his victory over the British at the battle of New Orleans in 1812. In his later career he fought to preserve the Union. It is probable that the Dunning pipe was brought in by a visitor to the town at some point near the end of the 19th century when tourism in the region was developing.
AOC Excavation Director: Martin Cook
Client: Perth and Kinross Council
