Apache Water Basket with Top and Cup Attached, 19th C.

Apache

Circa 1890 | Willow, Pine Pitch, Gourd, Metal, Commercial Hide | Item 2333

This Apache water jug is complete with a wood stopper and a cup cut from a gourd. The stopper is attached to the basket via a metal chain. There is a commercial hide strap for putting the whole thing over ones shoulder. It’s rare to find such an early basket with all the parts in tact. The willow basket has been covered with pine pitch to seal it, allowing it to carry water without leaking. The bottom third has a much more orange hue to it and is much more smooth than the upper two thirds. It appears this lower section was sanded down, perhaps to better fit into a larger carrying case. The cup is attached to the basket with calico cloth. The basket has three lugs attached to it. Two of them are for the commercial hide strap and the other one, for the stopper chain. This is a rare and early frontier / Apache water carrying case.