Apache Pine Pitched with Horsehair Lugs Tus Baskets

Late 20th Century

.875" H x .875" D - 1.5" H x 1.5" D

Hand Coiled with the Interior and Exterior Coated with Piñon Pine Pitch (resin) Melted and Applied Hot that Creates a Glossy BlackishFinish and Prevents Leakage and Each Basket has a Lug made out of Black Horse Hair

Excellent Condition

The Apache Pine Pitched with Horsehair Lugs Tus Baskets is a distinctive type of traditional Native American basketry known as a tus (also spelled "tush" or "tus olla"). These are waterproof water jugs or bottles crafted primarily by Apache weavers, particularly from the Western Apache and Jicarilla Apache groups in the Southwest United States (such as Arizona and New Mexico). They were essential utilitarian items for semi-nomadic life, used to carry and store water during travel, hunting, or gathering. The "pine pitched" element makes them watertight, while "horsehair lugs" are the braided handles for carrying.