1880 Genuine Apache Olla Basket Mint Condition Antique.

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 a perfect addition to anyone's collection! Hand made and decorated with 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. One of the characteristics that speaks to this age is the smaller opening at the top, which was a characteristic of baskets made for utilitarian uses at that time. We aren't sure if this is a San Carlos or White Mountain Apache basket, but the ticked rims were often a characteristic used by the Apache that live in the White Mountain reservation. The patterns and ladder like designs are representations of the walk through life as well as the steps taken into the afterlife. This basket is in mint condition and the tight weave made from traditional willow branches shows almost no wear. The weave is about 6 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 only a few years back.

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 started to become more popular and concerned with the Natives that they trampled over in previous decades, and started to collect photography and artifacts from the quickly diminishing tribes. 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, but the weavers skill at producing utilitarian baskets is evident in the tight weaving and small opening at the top. 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. Every symbol on this basket refers to a particular idea, person, or story including the individual who made this basket. Unfortunately many of the explanations have been lost, or were unique to the person and Apache group who produced the basket making it difficult to accurately translate.

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