Native American Apache Made Burden Basket

Description

Authentic Apache Burden Basket

The Apache burden basket is one of the most recognized items of material culture within the Apache tribe. The baskets were once made for everyday use in collecting or gathering wild foods or cultivating crops like corn. Large burden baskets were sometimes made for food storage. Apache burden baskets are cone-shaped with flat or rounded bottoms. Buckskin and cone jingles made of tin are added to enhance the basket. Nearly all baskets will have a buckskin carry strap, which was once worn around the forehead or shoulders. As the baskets were carried the tin cones would jingle and scare off snakes. Small baskets were given to children and the jingling alerted parents to where the children were. It is said that these are hung outside a home and visitors are to place their burdens in the basket before entering the home. Today, the Apache burden basket remains a symbol of pride for the Apache people.