Apache Burden Baskets (Set of 3)

Apache society is matrilineal and matrilocal; the women traditionally control the wealth and authority in their clans.  When an Apache man wants to marry an Apache woman, he asks his future mother-in-law for permission.  If permission is granted, he can no longer make eye contact with or talk directly to the mother from that point on, as a show of respect for allowing him to live in her home with her daughter.  The mother-in-law weaves a burden basket with deer or elk leather fringe with “bells” (pieces of tin, shell or rock) to make noise when she walks so the son-in-law can avoid accidentally making eye contact, preserving his respect.  Apache Burden Baskets are still used by the Apache today, made by only a few remaining weavers.

This authentic collection of American Indian Art was woven by the San Carlos Tribe of central Arizona utilizing traditional native materials

The baskets are approximately 3.25” in diameter and 2.75” tall and each basket is approximately 11” in full length.