From North Haven, Fair Isle, Shetland
This clay pipe was found in a grave at North Haven on Fair Isle in Shetland. It dates from the 17th century.
The pipe bears the maker's initials 'W.G.'.
Tobacco reached Scotland from America in the early 17th century and smoking soon became popular. Tobacco was smoked in clay pipes, which were cheap and disposable. It was not until the mid 18th century that snuff-taking became more popular than smoking.
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