THE ORIGINS OF CHILLUMS
Chillums are a significant piece of Indian history, said to have dated back to the 18th century. Although it is disputed whether they originated in India, due to findings of similar smoking pipes in parts of Africa, the earliest chillums in India were made of stone or clay.
Chillums have been commonly used by sadhus devoted to Lord Shiva as a way of being closer to higher powers, through rituals of worship, meditation and yogic practice. In the 1960s-70s, the chillum gained popularity with Western hippies who adopted it and took it back to the States. Since then, chillums have been used worldwide for both spiritual and recreational use, being embraced in places like Jamaica and South America.
The term “chillum” refers to this standalone smoking pipe we have been talking about, but historically that hasn’t always been the case. It also sometimes referred to the bowl of a hookah pipe or even the whole hookah.
In Afghanistan, the word “chillam” refers to the local hookah pipe variant while the bowl is called “sarchana”. The first hookah pipes appeared in Persia and the Mughal empire in the 16th century. The poorer classes used cheaper materials like clay bowls mounted on bamboo reeds that went into the coconut shell hookah bottle. This might have evolved into today’s chillum.
HOW TO SMOKE A CHILLUM
All you need to do to smoke a chillum is follow three simple steps:
Step 1: Pack the bowl with your preferred herbs. Ensure its reasonably tight.
Step 2: Hold the chillum vertically in one hand and slide the mouthpiece between the pinkie and ring finger on the other hand. You then cup both hands together as if you’re warming your hands in the cold.
Step 3: Carefully light your bowl evenly and use your hands’ cup motion to preserve the heat.
CHILLUM FUNCTIONALITY
Commonly, Chillums tend to be made of glass, wood or stone and are typically straight with a narrow mouthpiece and a wider bowl at the other end. Typically, they’re 3 to 6 inches in length and are ideal for microdose and on-the-go tokes. Unlike other pipes, chillums lack a carb hole, meaning there is no airflow beyond your inhalation.
That brings us to one cautionary disclaimer you need to know before you pick a chillum, due to the lack of water filtration, chillum smoke can be harsh on the throat and lungs if not regulated properly. The glass and metal chillums can also be hot to the touch, so caution is essential. And regular upkeep is essential to avoid the resin buildup.
HOW TO EFFECTIVELY CLEAN A CHILLUM
To effectively clean a chillum, you’ll need isopropyl alcohol, coarse salt, a sealable bag and pipe cleaners. Simply, place the chillum with alcohol and salt in the bag and shake gently to loosen any resin or debris. You can then use the pipe cleaner to clean the inside and rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry before use. Clean your chillum after every few uses to maintain optimal performance and prevent harsh, burnt flavors.
The structure of the chillum allows for a unique smoking experience despite its simple structure. The shape and size of the chillum allows for the rapid cooling of smoke, as well as allowing for a large quantity of smoke to accumulate. This results in a harder hit than a conventional pipe would allow.
LEGAL CONSIDERATION OF CHILLUM
In some areas, chillums can be considered as drug paraphernalia. It's always ideal to check local laws regarding possession and use of smoking devices. Laws vary widely by region. Make sure to verify the legal status of chillum use in your area before purchasing or using one. Chillums are widely available online, though availability depends on local regulations.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD CHILLUM
The Chillum is all about connection to things that are authentic. A good chillum is handcrafted and uniquely designed, keeping both ergonomics and aesthetics in mind. It's essential that a good chillum is functional, offering optimal cooling and practicality, while also being a fine work of craftsmanship.
That’s where Italian Smoking Chillums come in. Skilled Italian artisans of over 30 years of experience, working with premium Italian clay from Tuscany, known for its absorbing and cooling properties, they adds their signature sleek, minimalist flair to it with a variety of aesthetic color palettes: Midnight Azure, Nero Supremo, Giallo Noir, Nero Astrale, Eleganza Eterna, Midnight Vento, Verdant Majesty, Noir Lustre, Celeste Obsidian, and more. These designs are hand carved and uniquely fitting to different folks. There’s a piece of artistry for everyone!
If you need to get yourself a premium chillum smoking experience, look no further at the Kaio Signature Chillum range at Jonnybaba Lifestyle. Hurry before they sell out, limited stock only!
