Authentic Apache Craft San Carlos Apache fiddle length 41" top 5" bottom 12"

Description

Apache Fair Trade Cooperative, Inc
Artisan
: Anthony Belvado is a San Carlos Apache Tribal member and resides on the Reservation.
2012, SantaFe: joined fellowship program at school for advance research. Demonstrated Apache violin.
2018, Tucson AZ: Award from southwest folk life alliance for making Apache violin.
Musical instrument museum Phoenix, AZ; display his violin and video.
Southwest museum in Tucson,AZ display his violin.
The Apache Indians have always been known for their artistry through their rich culture and history. The designs and symbols used in all Apache arts and crafts relate through nature and the universe.
I am extremely honored and bestowed to continue this rich tradition. I have been interested in the art since I was young and have been self-taught artist in pencil, charcoal drawing, acrylic paintings on leather and violin making.
The past 10 years I have been making the traditional Apache violin. This has been past down to me by my late grandfather Salton Reede Sr.
Materia
l: The body is dried flowered stalk of the agave plant (century plant). The pulp inside is cleaned out.
Mesquite
is used for the string holder, bridge and tunner. Lower part decoration is diamond shape cut of agave stalk with bamboo design. Sound hole out side is craft board and inlaid sumac branch for outside circle and
craft board for the inside circle. Top decoration is with triangle red material, cowhide around the top with red material underlay and cutout. Studs are nailed to it. Strings are 3 banjo strings. all the paint is acrylic. 2 humming birds bring the good news.
Acacia branch is used for the Bow and horsehair for the string and buckskin covers the handle. Pine rosin is applied on bow string. The violin is protected to play only by men. It is delicate instrument. Now it is mostly for display collectible item.
Size
:  The total length is 41” top diameter is 5” bottom diameter is 17". The length of bow is approximately 22". The weight is 7 lbs.
Culture
: the Apache Violin dates back to the 1800’s. The Apache people believed the violin had special powers in finding their true love. The Apache violin was used in “courtship”. In courtship, the person would sing songs while playing the violin to attract a mate. The violin is unique like all personal possessions, it was closely protected. Women and children were not allowed to play or touch the Apache violin.
Authenticity
:  This craft is bought by the Apache Fair Trade Cooperatives, Inc (AFTCO) which is a nonprofit organization founded to help San Carlos and White Mountain Tribes' economy. The authenticity of this craft is certified by AFTCO.