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Hookah (also Huqqa)
A smoking device, a variety of a nargileh, popular in South Asia. The smoke passes through water whereby it is partially purified. A hookah consists of a water container, tobacco box, and two pipes. One of the pipes connects both containers and is immersed in the water, the other is stuck into the water-container without reaching the water. Its free end has a mouth-piece. Hookahs differ in size and shape. The two main types resemble a hand held smoking pipe and a free standing pipe. The latter has a solid bell-shaped support which serves as a water container. There is a short neck in the upper part of the support-container into which both pipes are inserted. The inhaling pipe is connected to a flexible tube. The hookah is a favourite object of decoration for various artists and craftsmen. Hookahs are mainly made of metal. In Lahore, leather hookahs are made and decorated with stylish designs. The aristocracy uses hookahs made of precious metals such as silver studded with precious stones, and sometimes transparent glass. The main decorative pieces are supports and mouthpieces often shaped as small sculptures. Hookahs sometimes feature medieval miniature paintings and are a typical object of everyday life.