History of the humble bong

1. History of the humble Bong

2. A bong, which is also known as a water pipe, is a type of smoking device that uses water as a filtering agent to filter the smoke. Bongs come in many different designs, shapes, and sizes and can be made using many different types of materials. Bongs do have a vast history which greatly flourished the many cultures in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Many historians still debate on where the humble bong actually came from, since variations on ceremonial, medicinal, and recreational smoking exists in many cultures and societies.

3. Archeological expeditions and excavations have uncovered 13th Century earthen water pipes made of animal horns, bamboo, gourds as well as clay and earthenware. Earthen water pipes have also discovered and unearthed in many parts of Central and South Asia. It is important to note that during the 16th century period, Persian cultures began the use of hookahs while Thailand and China began popularized the use of water pipes made of bamboo. The Baung, which is a water pipe that only the Thai nobility used, was often made from bronze and was usually adorned with precious stones, jewels, and inscriptions.

4. Through travel expeditions and trading, water pipes were introduced all throughout Europe during the 18th through the 19th centuries before making their way to for their debut in America. These Victorian water-filtered pipes were often created using materials like ceramic and were very elaborately decorated. During the glassblowing arts movement and boom in the late 1970s, paved the way to one of the very first patents for the glass bong being filed in the United States. Glass blowing artists became instant entrepreneurs as the high demand for their many intricately designed and functional works of art grew, most particularly during the earlier parts of the 21st century.

5. Nowadays, bongs are mostly made from expertly crafted hand-blown glass that usually changes colors. However, wooden tubes, detailed ceramic, as well as translucent versions are also massively and readily available in the market for the public to choose from. Bongs range in size from the compact and portable mini bongs like sweet puff to the gigantic and massive water pipes that reach a whopping 15 feet in height. The least expensive and budget-friendly affordable models are smaller and plainer. Prices vary based on the thickness and quality of the glass, the styling of the adorned artwork as well as the intricacy of the accessories.

6. Resources: http://www.bongsmart.com.au/41-sweet-puff https://storify.com/althat/a-brief-history-of-the-humble-bong