Small Western Apache Pictorial Basket [SOLD]

After achieving peace with the Apache Tribe in 1886 with the surrender of Geronimo, the Federal Government established reservations on which it located the Apaches—there were four of these reservations—two in Arizona and two in New Mexico. The Arizona Apache tribes are designated as Western Apache.

The White Mountain Fort Apache Reservation, one of the two Arizona reservations, was established in 1871 in northern Arizona. It was a basket maker from this tribe that made this basket olla. The tribe has continued to produce coiled baskets into recent years although in greatly diminished quantities. These weavers adhered to the basic forms which they used in daily tasks but developed in to ever more interesting creations when the basket was to be for sale.

This extraordinary small basket is perfectly symmetrical in shape and follows the shape of full-size ollas. There are four human figures, each separated by pairs of cross-like elements. The bottom of the vessel displays a magnificent whirling cyclone design. The restricted neck has mountain peak designs.

Condition: The basket is in absolute perfect condition. I do not see a single missing stitch.