Western (San Carlos) Apache Burden Basket by Viola Taylor
This medium sized traditional San Carlos Apache burden basket was tagged, so we know the maker was Viola Tayor. It was woven of split red willow in a traditional polychrome striped pattern on a metal ring. It is accented with beautiful beige deerskin fringe tipped with handmade tin jingles. The long leather ties were handcut, which adds to the rustic look of the piece. Women used burden baskets to forage & gather materials & food on the land. The jingles helped warn potentially dangerous animals away! These are used in the tribal Sunrise Ceremony to commemorate a young Apache woman's transition at puberty. Some say it is symbolic of laying your burdens down when you enter a space, so should be hung by the entry, but that may just be marketing. When hanging, this basket measures approx 19" H from the tip of the hang point to the end of the lowest jingle x 6.25" W x 6.25" D. The actual woven basket measures approx 5" H x 6.25" W x 6.25" D. The jingles were made by hand of tin & measure 1.25" L on average. Burden baskets are wonderful items that are becoming more difficult to make & to find. This is a beautiful heirloom quality basket with a nice design!