authentic Apache made craft ornamental felt Apache moccasin 2.5" 091/87

Description

Apache Fair Trade Cooperatives Inc.
Artisan
:
Crafter is a White Mountain Apache Tribal member and resides on the White Mountain Reservation Arizona.
White Mountain Apache Reservation consists of 1.67 million acres in east central Arizona. It ranges in elevation from 2,600 ft. in Salt River Canyon to 11,400 ft. at the top of Baldy, one of the sacred peaks. The White Mountain Apache hold dearly to their traditions. They consider themselves tied to the environment and seek to live in balance with it. This is reflection in their arts and crafts.
Materia
l:
felt and glass seed beads. This ornament is good for hanging on car back mirror or Christmas tree.
Size
:  The
moccasin size is 2.5" and total length is 9".
Culture
:
The traditional Moccasin is made with buckskin on top and cowhide for the bottom. The total length covers from sole to groin. It is folded three times in ordinary times. It covers whole legs during cold season.
The Apache moccasin has toe lip that curves up. It is to protect the toes from stickers especially the cactus. People still wear them during ceremonies and special occasions
.
The merchants who came with the conquistadores brought colorful beads and traded with the Natives. Because of the brightness of the colors, the indigenous people created jewelry and adorned their bodies with them. Then they began decorating household items and other things with the beads.
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.