Figural Apache Basket with Anthropomorphic and Zoomorphic Designs [R]

The Western Apache consist of five tribes—the Cibecue, San Carlos, White Mountain, and Northern and Southern Tonto. Their baskets were eagerly sought by collectors during the latter part of the nineteenth century, and are as popular today as they were then.

Traditional Western Apache baskets were made with coils of three rods arranged in a trianguloid bunch, over which the slender shoots of willow were woven. The willow, over time, turns to a beautiful golden hue.

The design elements were created with splints from the outer surface of the tough, horn-like seedpod of the black devil’s claw. The incredible design in this basket consists of human and animal figures which is the most popular design of collectors of Apache basketry.

There are a few areas where stitch conservation and restoration have been accomplished, but they are minor. The basket is in remarkably good condition considering it is from the early part of the 20^th century.