Sa Pipa allutonada (brass-plated pipe) was the typical pipe once smoked by farmers, shepherds and miners. Like all pipes “Sa Pipa Allutonada” has two main parts: the stem and the bowl. Both of which present distinctive traits making the “ Teuladine pipe” rather unique.

The stem, which appears long and curved, is carved first. Walnut and elder wood are used and hollowed out with a red-hot iron and kept in shape for about 3 months to obtain the desired curvature. The stem then gets cleaned out and decorated.

The bowl is in terracotta. A mixture of local clays is used and it is firstly soaked in water, then it is preparedand sieved to remove all the impurities. To finish it is left to dry for a couple of days to get rid of the excess water. When the clay is ready, the bowl is wedged and hand-shaped before being left to dry out and ultimately baked. The polishing with beeswax marks its unique final touch.

The pipe is now ready to be ultimated and “dressed”.The bowl is capped with a thin red-hot foil of brass which is tailored cut meticulously to create the “dress” and the typical “ hat” of the “Sa Pipa Allutonada”.

Important to point out that the “hat” is not only ornamental but has a specific purpose. Many who worked outdoors used to smoke this kind of pipe and therefore were constantly exposed to all sorts of bad weather conditions. The “hat” itself prevented the pipe from dying out in case of rain.

… the “hat” is not only ornamental but has a specific purpose. Many who worked outdoors used to smoke this kind of pipe and therefore were constantly exposed to all sorts of bad weather conditions. The “hat” itself prevented the pipe from dying out in case of rain.