Apache Baskets
APACHE burden baskets are made from available materials such as willow or sumac. Since the Apaches were once nomadic hunters and gatherers, the women wove these baskets to carry firewood, roots and berries. The tassels were made from deer or cow skin, mainly for ceremonial or decorative uses. Two of the theories why the "tinkling" tin was placed on the tassels are: to warn snakes away while gathering, or for a son-in-law to show respect by getting out of his mother-in-law's way! |  | |
We acquired this basket from an archaeologist in Arizona. In trying to gather information about the basket, we came across an article in Southwestern Indian Baskets by Andrew Hunter Whiteford, on Mescalero and Chiracahua Apache baskets. At one time in their history, it appears the Mescalero ceased to make coiled baskets and turned to twill-twining.
Another Apache tribe, the Chiracahua, suffered more than any other. Most were either slaughtered or deported to prisons in Florida. The few that remained joined the Mescalero. The little that is known about their basketry indicates it is simlar to the Mescalero twined baskets.
In 1984, two Chiracahua women and a daughter of one of them lived on the Mescalero reservation and made baskets similar to these old baskets. The twining was twilled out of sumac, over two and under two, as is the basket shown. These ladies generally attached three vertical strips of buckskin, rather than four as is on our basket. Thesy decorated their baskets by using magic markers to color bands of red and blue around the outside, being careful not to show any color on the interior or on adjacent stitches. The bands are somewhat faded on this basket, but still show clearly. In particular because of these bands, we believe we have here either one of their baskets, or a basket made by someone who was intimately familiar with their work.
A newer burden basket in fine condtion. It has a delightful sounding tinkle to the metal pieces. The basket measures 10-1/2 inches in diameter and 10 inches deep. Perfect for hanging where there could be a breeze.
