Glass bongs are one of the most popular and widely used devices for smoking herb or tobacco. They are also known as water pipes, bubblers, or hookahs, and they come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. Glass bongs are designed to filter and cool the smoke by passing it through water, which makes the smoking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Glass bongs are also considered to be works of art, as they showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of glassblowers who create them.
But how did glass bongs come to be? And what are some of the most famous and iconic glass bongs in history and culture? In this blog post, we will explore the origins and evolution of glass bongs, as well as some of the most notable examples of glass bongs that have made an impact on the smoking community and beyond.
The Origins and Evolution of Glass Bongs
The history of glass bongs is not very clear, as there is not much written evidence or archaeological records to trace their origins. However, some historians believe that glass bongs originated in Asia, where people used bamboo tubes or pipes to smoke herb or tobacco. These pipes were later adapted to include a water chamber, which improved the filtration and cooling of the smoke.
Some of the earliest examples of glass bongs were found in China, where they were used by royalty and nobility during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). These glass bongs were made of porcelain or metal, and they were decorated with intricate designs and motifs. They were also called “qianglong”, which means “water pipe” in Chinese.
Glass bongs were also used in India, where they were called “hookahs” or “huqqa”. Hookahs were introduced to India by Persian traders during the Mughal Empire (1526-1857), and they became a symbol of social status and leisure. Hookahs were typically made of brass or copper, and they had multiple hoses that allowed several people to smoke from the same device.
Glass bongs spread to other parts of the world through trade and colonization. They reached Europe in the 16th century, where they were called “bouillon”, which means “bubble” in French. They were also introduced to Africa, where they were called “madibas” or “bambutsi”. They were also brought to America by European settlers and explorers, where they were called “bongs”, which is derived from the Thai word “baung”, which means “cylindrical wooden tube”.
Glass bongs evolved over time to include different features and innovations that enhanced their functionality and aesthetics. Some of these features include:
- Percolators: Percolators are glass filters that are suspended into the water chamber. They break up and spread out the bubbles evenly by ensuring the smoke is circulated through the water. Percolators can have different shapes and designs, such as tree, showerhead, honeycomb, turbine, etc.
- Ice Catchers: Ice catchers are notches or pinches that are located on the neck or stem of the bong. They allow ice cubes to be placed inside the bong, which further cools down the smoke before it reaches the mouthpiece.
- Ash Catchers: Ash catchers are attachments that are connected to the joint of the bong. They act as a secondary chamber that catches any ash or debris that may fall from the bowl. Ash catchers prevent the water from getting dirty and also add extra filtration and diffusion to the smoke.
- Diffusers: Diffusers are slits or holes that are located on the downstem of the bong. They create small bubbles that increase the surface area of the smoke that comes into contact with the water. Diffusers also reduce the noise and splashback of the bong.
The Most Famous and Iconic Glass Bongs in History and Culture
Glass bongs have become more than just smoking devices. They have also become cultural icons that represent different eras, movements, personalities, and styles. Some of the most famous and iconic glass bongs in history and culture are:
| Name | Description | Image |
|---|---|---|
| The Tommy Chong Bong | This bong was used by the legendary comedian and cannabis activist Tommy Chong in the movie “Up in Smoke” (1978), which is considered to be one of the first stoner comedies. The bong was made of acrylic and had a huge bowl that could fit an ounce of herb. The bong was also featured in the cover art of the movie soundtrack. | |
| The Cypress Hill Bong | This bong was used by the rap group Cypress Hill in their music video for the song “Hits from the Bong” (1993), which is one of their most famous songs. The bong was made of glass and had a skull-shaped base and a long neck. The bong was also featured in the cover art of their album “Black Sunday”. | |
| The Snoop Dogg Pounds Bong | This bong is part of the Snoop Dogg Pounds line, which is a collection of glass bongs and rigs that are designed by the rapper and cannabis entrepreneur Snoop Dogg. The bong is made of borosilicate glass and has a rocket-shaped design that comes in different colors. The bong also has a percolator and an ice catcher for smooth hits. | |
| The Illadelph Coil Bong | This bong is made by Illadelph Glass, which is one of the most reputable and innovative glass bong brands in the world. The bong has a coil condenser that can be filled with glycerin and frozen, which creates a cooling effect that lasts for hours. The bong also has a detachable base and a diffuser downstem for easy cleaning and maintenance. | |
| The Empire Glassworks Under the Sea Bong | This bong is made by Empire Glassworks, which is known for creating glass bongs and accessories with intricate and colorful designs. The bong has an under the sea theme, featuring various sea creatures and plants that are handcrafted from glass. The bong also has a showerhead percolator and an ice catcher for smooth hits. |
Conclusion
Glass bongs are more than just smoking devices. They are also expressions of art, culture, and personality. Glass bongs have a long and rich history that spans across continents and centuries, and they have evolved to include different features and innovations that enhance their functionality and aesthetics. Glass bongs are also some of the most famous and iconic symbols of herb or tobacco smoking, as they have been used by celebrities, musicians, comedians, and activists who have influenced the smoking community and beyond.
If you are looking for a glass bong that suits your style and preference, you can check out some of the best glass bong brands that offer high quality, precision cut, and diamond clarity glass bongs. Some of these brands include Diamond Glass, Maverick Glass, Bougie Glass, Roor, Zob Glass, Empire Glassworks, The China Glass, Snoop Dogg Pounds, Mobius Glass, and more.
