When you think of a bong, you might picture modern glass artistry or perhaps a classic head shop staple. But did you know the concept of water filtration for smoking is surprisingly ancient? Archaeological discoveries suggest that primitive forms of bongs have been used for centuries, possibly even millennia, across different cultures. Excavations in Ethiopia, for instance, unearthed what appear to be water pipes dating back to the 11th and 14th centuries. Other evidence points to early versions in Central Asia around the 16th century, crafted from simple materials like gourds, bamboo, or even animal horns. These ingenious early designs demonstrate that people long ago understood the benefits of cooling and filtering smoke, proving that sometimes, the best innovations are just timelessly good ideas.