These baskets are made from available materials
such as willow or sumac. The stems are soaked in water and then split, with
the inner part being used for the lighter colors and the outer bark for
designs in reds, browns, and greens.
Since the Apaches were once nomadic hunters and
food gatherers, the women wove these baskets to carry firewood, roots or
berries. The tassels made from deer or cow skin were mainly for ceremonial
or decorative use. Tin was placed for ornamentation and to ward off snakes
while gathering.
There is also a symbolic meaning
behind the Apache Burden Basket. Tradition holds that it is considered
disrespectful for an Apache male to be in the presence of his
mother-in-law. To guard against such an occurrence, the sound made by the
tin ornaments will forewarn the son-in-law that his mother-in-law is
approaching, giving him time to leave the area.
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Apache
Burden Baskets
4 1/2" diameter
Tan
$44.99
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