1880 Genuine Apache Olla Basket Excellent Condition Vintage Native American Antique Basket.

This Incredible Genuine Apache Olla Basket from the 1880s/1890s is an true piece of American history and heritage. It is a fine example of turn of the century Native American basket weaving and would make an incredible addition to anyone's collection! Hand made and decorated with a traditional Apache designs, this basket has been beautifully woven down to the smallest detail. This one has been identified as coming from the San Carlos or White Mountain Apache Reservations between the 1880s and 1890s. Some of the characteristics that speak to this age is the incredibly tight weave and beautiful tone of the willow. We aren't sure if this is a San Carlos or White Mountain Apache basket, but it is more likely from the San Carlos as the White Mountain baskets over 100 years old are very rare. The patterns and ladder like designs have an exceptional symmetry and are representations of the walk through life as well as the steps taken into the afterlife. This basket is in excellent condition. The tight weave has very little wear, just a few stitches missing here and there but with no loose fibers or fray. The weave is about 4 coils per inch and 18 stitches per inch and is another indicator of its age. It survived in this condition in a large collection that was well cared for. It was purchased from the Apache soon after its construction and remained part of that collection for almost a century. It only recently started trading hands when parts of the original collection were liquidated a few years back. If you have any Questions about this basket give Richard a call at 1-800-417-0024.

Like many Native Americans, the Apache were already manufacturing baskets to sell to Indian enthusiasts and collectors by the late 1800's. Anthropologists and Indian admirers had become increasingly popular and concerned with the Natives who were trampled over in previous decades. They began to collect photography and artifacts from the quickly diminishing tribes in larger quantities and the Natives responded by producing artifacts to fill this demand. Unlike today, the Native Americans who produced these baskets were also still producing many baskets for their own utilitarian uses. The weaver who produced this incredible basket was most definitely a woman and an accomplished weaver to say the least. Her expertise was honed by the daily production of baskets for her own people. The baskets produced for utilitarian purposes would have been less decorated and refined. Those baskets took wear quickly and were produced with heavy use in mind. This basket was given extra care and special traditional designs, and the weavers skill at producing utilitarian baskets is evident. These attributes are rarely found on baskets made later in the 20th century. The designs represent the walk through life and the steps to the afterlife. These symbols refer to the particular ideas, people, and stories of those who lived the traditional way of life over 110 years ago.

We understand the true value and nature of hand crafted antique Native American art. And, we recognize it's important to know that this artifact is genuine and was produced by a member of a Native American tribe. So, to ensure you that this is the real deal, a Certificate of Authenticity has been included with this item.

CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC