Lots of interesting pipes in Brazil. This one is from the Tupi Guarani. I have one exactly like it, but mine is painted in red. The stem is a type of bamboo on mine, without knuckles, about the same length as this picture.
Instead of pipe cleaners, you just swap the stem when it's needed, if ever.
I also have a few figural carvings from the same tribe. Jaguars, turtles, anteaters. Sadly, this collection is at my house in Brazil, so no immediate pictures of my collection of this sort.
They smoke pretty good to me, but I only use them when with my friends there. Really strong rope tobacco mixed with herbs. Makes perique seem like a weak virginia.
The pipes that I have seen and used are made from a type of wood that is like balsa, but they don't burn out, despite seeming like they should. They're very durable.
First time I saw someone smoking these was when a friend took me to a village of his friends and there was an 8 year old kid puffing away. Then several more came out and joined him. Nobody said a word, but I was pretty surprised. It's quasi-religious for them, so they let the kids be.
Great pipes if you can somehow find one outside of Brazil.