Medwakh Pipe - Various designs

In Iran and the Arabian Peninsula the traditional tobacco pipe is the “medwakh”. This pipe resembles a Native American peace pipe and Asian kiseru but smaller in length and with a smaller bowl.

 

These pipes are used for smoking “dokha”, a high nicotine Arabic tobacco that can be both smooth or harsh depending on the blend.

 

The original medwakhs were simple in design and carved from animal bones. Goat bones and clay were utilized in the past but are rarely seen today.

 

The modern day Medwakh has come a long way from the simple design of the past. Traditionally,they range in size anywhere from four to ten inches in length.

 

Most include a hooked or straight tip providing a symbolic and functional purpose.

 

The tip can be cupped in the palm of the hand to shield a match or lighter which shields the flame in the strong desert winds. The hooked tips are symbolic of a falcon’s talon and the straight tips are symbolic of the tip of a “dhow”, a small Arabic boat used for sailing the Persian Gulf.

 

Although all medwakhs follow this basic design, this is where the similarities end.