J-0-20 Western Apache olla.
The Western Apache were traditionally Athabaskan speakers belonging to the Nadene family of languages who migrated from their homeland in the interior of northern Canada to the American southwest during late prehistoric times. Since complex coiled basketry was all but unknown among the Canadian Athabaskans, it is assumed that the Apache learned how to weave such baskets after their arrival in the southwest, possibly from the Pueblo Indians or from the Yuman speaking peoples such as the Yavapai who were in the southwest before the Apache and whose baskets are most similar to Apache work. The Western Apache are divided into four groups: Tonto, Cibeque, White Mountain and San Carlos. Their baskets are mostly indistinguishable consequently, the term Western Apache is applied to this body of weaving.
This Apache olla has good form, not always the case with these ollas which sometimes are squat and awkwardly shaped. It has the classic net pattern with multiple figures portrayed including 9 dogs, 6 men and 3 crosses.
It measures 13 1/2"h. by 13"d. Circa 1900. $6,800.00 Sale Price $3,800.00