authentic Apache made craft baby buckskin moccasin 2x3.5" 242

Description

Apache Fair Trade Cooperatives Inc.
Artisan
:  Michelle James: She is a San Carlos Apache Tribal member and resides on the Reservation.
I am from Gilson Wash (one of the districts). I lived here all my life. I started beadwork when I was 15 years old. My family also does beadwork. I learned it from my grandmother Helen Phillips. She started teaching me slowly then as I learned I saw how patient you have to be to do the best possible. I love beading. It’s one of my favorite hobbies.  Story by Michelle
Materia
l: Buckskin and glass seed beads.
Size
:  The
moccasin width is 2" and length is 3.5"
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.