Ceramic bongs are one of the biggest parts of smoking culture. When we speak about ceramics we are talking about age, culture, creation, creativity, curiosity, the earth, nature and so much more. To design something from the very dirt you stand on, this is a beautiful thing.
Clay is all around us, and back in the day it was used to make everything. Used to store food, eat food, shelter, weapons and yes of course, used to make ceramic bongs. In fact, the one side of my family are potters, and they owe everything they have today in the wealth of the earth.
Today we will cover a few topics like, the history of ceramic bongs, the culture it came from, how bongs evolved, and we shall also go through many reviews helping you in making a choice of purchase if need be.
The history of ceramic bongs
The earliest bongs to have ever been found where in the Ukrainian and Russian steppe belts. This is where the Scythian burial mounds are. This dates back to (2400BCE). They were called Kurgans, big soil mounds in which the Scythians buried their people and possessions.
Archaeologists have found ceramic water pipes from Africa dating back to around 1,000-1,400 CE (way after the Egyptian dynasties). As for ancient African culture, there’s actually archaeological evidence that water pipes (early bongs) were used in parts of Eastern and Southern Africa. The oldest known bongs were found in Ethiopia, dating back to around 1100-1400 CE
Bong Smoking Culture
African cultures have had a long history of smoking cannabis and other herbs for spiritual, medicinal, and recreational use. Many indigenous groups used clay pipes or hollowed-out gourds. Some even had communal smoking practices, passing around a pipes or ceramic Bongs like an ancient smoke circle.
The earliest evidence of weed smoking comes from Western China, around 2,500 years ago. Archaeologists found burnt cannabis residue in wooden braziers (bowl-like incense burners) at a burial site in the Pamir Mountains. These were part of ancient Scythian and early Silk Road cultures, and the residue contained high levels of THC, meaning they weren’t just burning hemp for rope—they were getting high. Just not with Ceramic Bongs.
This discovery, published in 2019, suggests cannabis was used in ritualistic or spiritual ceremonies by these early nomadic tribes. Before that, cannabis was mainly found in seeds and fibers, showing it was grown for food and textiles. These braziers prove people were inhaling it intentionally, making this the oldest direct evidence of humans smoking weed.
So while Africa and the Middle East have deep histories of cannabis use, ancient China currently holds the title for the oldest recorded hotbox.
In truth though, humans must have been smoking this product long before this, maybe even the dating back as far as the 4th millennium. Whether it was in a ceramic bong or not. Humans where still achieving many incredible feats.
The evolution of ceramic Bongs
So, as we just discussed, the first water pipes to have ever been used where made out of materials like Clay, wood and bamboo. Wood was not a good fit for the job and so naturally it fell away, and other materials came to play. Clay became more and more efficient, as it was being more commonly fired.
Steps of Firing Clay
1. Drying (Greenware Stage)
Before firing, clay must fully dry (air-dry). If there’s moisture inside, it can explode in the kiln.
This is called greenware—it’s fragile but still recyclable at this stage.
2. Bisque Firing (First Firing)
The dried clay is placed in a kiln and heated slowly to around 900-1000°C (1650-1830°F).
This hardens the clay but keeps it porous so it can absorb glazes.
After bisque firing, the ceramic is called bisqueware—it’s stronger but still unglazed.
3. Glazing (Optional but Sexy)
A glaze (liquid glass or minerals) is applied to add color, waterproofing, and a smooth finish.
Glazes melt and fuse to the surface in the next firing.
4. Glaze Firing (Second Firing)
The bisqueware is fired again at a higher temperature (usually 1200-1300°C / 2190-2370°F).
This vitrifies the clay—meaning it turns into a fully solid, glassy, waterproof material.
Primitive vs. Modern Firing
Ancient methods: Open pit fires or simple kilns using wood, dung, or charcoal.
Modern methods: Electric, gas, or wood-fired kilns with precise temperature control.
So, whether you’re making an ancient Egyptian pot, an Ethiopian bong, or a modern Fugly sculpture, clay firing is what brings the magic.
Each step above is a larger step in time, hurdling towards our current date. Where we have some of the most wonderful Ceramic Bongs and other earthy art pieces. Some of them you will see right below this.
Conclusion
From the ancient Scythians and African artisans to modern-day smokers, ceramic bongs have stood the test of time. They are more than just smoking tools—they are art, history, and culture wrapped into one. Crafted from the very earth beneath our feet, they connect us to our ancestors who shaped clay into something both functional and beautiful.
The evolution of bongs, from simple clay water pipes to today’s intricate ceramic designs, proves one thing: human creativity knows no bounds. Whether you’re looking for a piece of history, a work of art, or just a smooth hit, ceramic bongs remain an iconic part of smoking culture.
So next time you pick up a ceramic bong, take a moment to appreciate its journey—from raw earth to refined masterpiece—and enjoy the timeless ritual that has spanned millennia.