History of the Bong

History of the Bong: From Ancient Origins to Modern Heady Glass

Bongs boast a rich history tracing back to ancient civilizations. This article will take a look at the origins of the modern-day bongs we love today, and where it all began.

The word "bong" comes from the Thai word "baung," a bamboo water pipe that was simple to make and widely used. It is still used in many places in SE Asia today to smoke different plants. It makes perfect sense, since bamboo is plentiful and one of the easiest materials to turn into a water pipe. But while the word is Asian, bongs were not invented there.

Bongs Were Invented in Africa.

The origins of bongs can be traced back over a thousand years to Africa.

This discovery is credited to J.C. Dombrowski, who found the oldest known bong-like device in Africa that was used for smoking weed.

This primitive bong used something similar to a bottle that had lit coals and cannabis placed into it. The bottle was then buried in the ground with a small tunnel connecting it to a mouthpiece. The smoke from the burning cannabis could then be inhaled. It must have been very harsh, considering the cannabis and coals were together, and there was no water filtration. 

If we want something more like the modern hand held bong, we must turn to a cave in Ethiopia. This is where archaeologists unearthed 11 bongs made from pottery and animal horns, dated from 1100 to 1400 CE. 

The Golden Bongs

While Ethiopia lays claim to the oldest known bongs, another significant discovery reshaped our understanding of bong history and shows the importance they played in some early cultures. 

In 2013, archaeologists excavated a kurgan, a burial mound found from the Black Sea and Caspian steppe through Central Asia and Mongolia.  

To their surprise, the archaeologists uncovered a pair of golden bongs dating back to approximately 400 BCE. 

These 2500-year-old bongs were credited to the Scythians and were part of a hoard of 7lbs of gold, which are thought to be part of some tribal chief's burial mound.

Residue tests of these golden bongs confirmed the presence of opium and cannabis. This would tie in with written accounts from the ancient Greek historian Herodotus suggesting the Scythians used these drugs, possibly in some ritual to embolden them before going into battle.

This discovery shows the importance of bongs in human history not just as a means of consuming drugs but as a deeper spiritual and cultural practice.

The Influence of the Silk Road

Water use in bongs likely emerged during the Ming Dynasty in China. It spread along the Silk Road alongside the introduction of tobacco and the growing popularity of smoking.

Bongs were commonly used during the last imperial dynasty of China. Empress Dowager Cixi, from the Qing Dynasty, was found buried with her three prized bongs. Some of her collections may still be seen in the Palace Museum.

In colonial India, a similar water pipe called the hookah was used and readily adopted by the British by the 18th century. It's thought the hookah was used as a healthier way to filter tobacco smoke.

The relationship between these cultures highlights the shared human experience of using bongs for social and spiritual purposes. This blending of traditions has shaped the evolution of the bong over centuries, incorporating different materials and designs along the way.

Modern Evolution: From Pottery to Glass

Fast forward to the 16th century, and we see bongs firmly established in various cultures. In India, physician Hakim Abul Fath popularized water pipes, suggesting that tobacco smoke should be filtered through water for a smoother experience. Meanwhile, in Africa, bongs evolved independently, designed primarily for smoking cannabis rather than tobacco.

Though bongs have ancient roots made from horns, bamboo, and other natural substances, glass bongs have become the most popular modern option.

The increased popularity of tobacco as a cash crop following the colonization of America coincided with advancements in the glass industry. But it wasn't until the 60s and 70s that glass bongs gained prominence. This is largely due to the work of people like Bob Snodgrass, who is considered the godfather of the glass bong movement.

Snodgrass purchased his first torch in 1974 in Independence, Missouri. He honed his craft while living in Ohio and then hit the road with his family, selling his work at festivals and shows. After attending his first Grateful Dead show in 1987, he started following the band on tour and selling his glass. This made him perhaps the US's most popular and well-known glass blower. He eventually settled with his family in Eugene, Oregon.

Snodgrass is also well known for developing the technique of fuming, which uses gold and silver to color borosilicate glass.

Today, glass outshines ceramic, silicone, and acrylic as the most popular material for bongs. This reflects not only aesthetic preferences but also a demand for functionality. Bongs are much more than simple tools for consuming cannabis; they have become art pieces, often beautifully designed and reflecting personal style and culture. 

Conclusion

From ancient African inventions to modern glass masterpieces, the bong has journeyed through time, adapting and evolving. It reflects humanity's longstanding relationship with cannabis and continues to be a focal point of cultural expression and personal enjoyment.

As we move forward, the ultimate evolution of the bong remains to be seen. Still, its historical significance is undeniable, and its place in cannabis culture is cemented, uniting humanity across time and space.