In the North American context the term calumet (from the Norman French Calumet, a shepherd's pipe) technically refers to the shaft of a Native American ceremonial pipe. In common usage, however, the term more often refers to the entire pipe.
———Though each indian nation has its own formula for sanctifying and decorating the calumet, some universals do appear. The shaft is generally decorated with symbols and symbolic objects such as feathers and pieces of fur. It is often painted in colors appropriate to the pipe's function.
———Pipes are smoked as sacred "signatures" to important events such as peace or alliance making, the undertaking of war, or success in the hunt. By passing through the calumet, smoke is sanctified. Once tendered sacred in this way it becomes the medium by which the prayers, wishes, or promises of the smoking parties are carried to the deities. Calumets — and the events solemnized by their use — are held in the highest sacred regard by those nations that employ them.
———Today Indians of all regions use the calumet, although its use was historically most widely reported among the indigenous peoples of the eastern woodlands and Great Plains.

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