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Apache Burden Basket Hide & Jingle Cones c. 1950's

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:70.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
Apache Burden Basket Hide & Jingle Cones c. 1950's
Featured in this lot is this Apache burden basket with jingle cones, circa 1950's. This basket shows great construction, displaying strips of tanned hide fastened to the basket with hide strings and ended with tassels that show aluminum jingle cones dangling below this conical basket. The burden basket was actually used as a utility basket for gathering food, fire wood, or other items when out in the fields. 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! Today the smaller burden baskets are used in young girl’s puberty ceremony known as the Sunrise Ceremony. 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. The saying “leave your burdens at the door” originated with these baskets. The baskets are a symbol of pride for the Apache people. The condition of this basket is good, with no obvious signs of damage. The measurements of this hand woven basket are 5" diameter x 14"H when hung, weight U6 oz.