What is a Chillum?
The smoking of herbal mixtures or tobacco can be done in several ways. Traditionally, these herbs are rolled into a piece of paper, but now there are several types of smoking paraphernalia available on the market. Vaporizers, pipes and chillums are examples of these types of paraphernalia that are distributed legally, especially on the Internet.
A chillum, also spelled as chilam, is basically a pipe used by the new religious movement, Rastafari, the holy Indian Sadhu, and by several recreational drug users in the smoking of herbal mixtures, tobacco and other substances. In the 18th century, Sadhus who practised yoga and aimed for ‘moksha’, or liberation, used chillums for smoking herbs during their meditation. They renounced the three basic goals in the life of a Hindu – karma, or enjoyment; arthma, or practical objectives; and dharma, or duty. The Rastafarians, on the other hand, use chillums as chalices for their ceremonies and reasoning sessions. Gratitude and praise are given to their God, Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, before they consume the content of the chillum.
A chillum is a conical pipe, which is usually made out of a cow’s horn, glass, clay, wood, or stone. There is a ‘stone’ or stick that is placed inside the cone. The gap of the stone from the top is where the herb is placed. Chillums can be used in public where smoking of cannabis is legal.
There are several available designs and styles of chillums, which are made artistically and creatively. The Internet is the best way to get a chillum; different styles are offered at varying prices.