Authentic Apache Indian Burden Basket 2" (b81)

The burden basket of the Native American Apache tribe is one of the most recognized baskets of American Indians. Traditionally, burden baskets were originally used in everyday life for gathering wild foods and harvesting crops like corn. Large burden baskets were also used for food storage and have been used for generations. Burden baskets are also an integral part of Apache history being used in their rituals and ceremonies. 

This beautiful basket has a leather buckskin strap as well as strips of leather buckskin with metal cone gingles representing the four directions of earth revered in Native American culture. There are also the buckskin strips and gingles hanging from the bottom of the basket. According to Apache tradition, burden baskets are always cone shaped, with a flat or rounded bottom. Buckskin and tin jingles were added to enhance the basket. Adult size burden baskets almost always have a buckskin strap that is used to to carry the basket. As the baskets were carried through the day while working the tin cones would jingle to scare away snakes that may be nearby. Small burden baskets were given to the Apache children by their parents.

As their mother worked in the field, she could hear the jingles and know where her children were. The traditional custom of the Apache, is to hang these baskets outside the home and visitors to the house are to place their burdens in the basket before they enter the home. The saying "leave your burdens at the door" originated with these baskets. The burden basket is a symbol of pride for the Apache people. This is a very rare piece of Native American history because it is a craft of an older generation that not very many young people are continuing, and we are very pleased to be able to offer it. Actual basket is shown. Measures 2.5" diameter, 2" tall.

Authentic Native American, Tribe: Apache