Native CIgarettes have been a staple in North America for centuries. Even though they are not as popular as mass-produced, machine-rolled cigarettes, they are still a powerful cultural symbol.
Origins of Native Tobacco
Native tribes were the first to cultivate and consume tobacco thousands of years ago. Evidence suggests that it was grown from Virginia to Peru at some point in the distant past. Native Americans believed that tobacco was a gift from their gods, and used it both ceremonially and medicinally.
Tobacco was traditionally smoked in pipes, but in more recent times, Natives have also rolled their own cigarettes using natural materials like corn husks and strips of bark. These handcrafted cigarettes quickly gained popularity among Native Americans, and soon spread throughout the Americas.
Cultural Significance of Native Cigarettes
Because of its ancient origins, Native cigarette smoking has become strongly associated with certain tribal cultures and beliefs. Different tribes …