Apache Bowl Basket

ca 1900
Size 2.25" H x 8" D 
Hand Coiled Polychrome Geometric Patterns that Start with a Central Black Circle at the Base Expanding Outward into Motifs with a Hide Loop to Hang
Excellent Condition with Light Fading
Apache bowl baskets are a hallmark of Native American craftsmanship, particularly from the Western Apache tribes (including White Mountain, San Carlos, Cibecue, and Tonto groups). These coiled baskets are renowned for their large size, intricate geometric designs, and cultural symbolism. Unlike the conical burden baskets used for carrying loads, bowl baskets served practical purposes like winnowing grain, storing food, or ceremonial uses, while also embodying spiritual motifs such as circles (representing life's continuity) and zigzags (symbolizing life's stages).