Skip to main content
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Early 20th C. Western Apache Wooden Fiddle by Amos Gustina with Display Stand

$8,500
£6,443.22
€7,523.11
CA$11,906.08
A$13,402.38
CHF 7,091.41
MX$166,240.07
NOK 87,609
SEK 83,790.26
DKK 56,126.11
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

This rare and finely handcrafted early 20th-century Apache wooden fiddle, or tsii'edo'a'tl—meaning “wood that sings” in Apache—is a striking example of Native American musical craftsmanship. Created by the renowned Western Apache artist Amos Gustina (1858–1945), this unique instrument offers deep cultural and historical significance as both a traditional sound-maker and a sculptural object of tribal heritage. Traditionally crafted from the dried stalk of an agave plant, this wooden fiddle produces a distinctive buzzing sound—referred to by the Apache as ki’zh ki’zh di’hi, meaning “buzz sound.” These tonal qualities are central to Apache musical traditions, often featured in ceremonial songs, courtship music, and social dances. Amos Gustina was a highly respected artist and craftsman within the Western Apache community, known for his skill in woodworking and cultural preservation. His careful shaping of this instrument reflects deep knowledge of both natural materials and musical function. The organic texture and elegant simplicity of the design underscore its ceremonial importance and artistic beauty. This fiddle is offered with a custom-made display stand, allowing it to be prominently featured as a sculptural object and conversation piece. Whether exhibited in a fine art collection or as part of a curated display of Native American artifacts, it stands out as both a musical instrument and a historic work of Indigenous art. This piece is a rare surviving example of early 20th-century Native American musical heritage. Its provenance, craftsmanship, and cultural value make it an exceptional acquisition for collectors of Indigenous art, ethnographic instruments, or Western Americana.
  • Creator:
    Amos Gustina (Artist)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 21.25 in (53.98 cm)Width: 5 in (12.7 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
  • Style:
    Native American (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    first quarter of the 20th century
  • Condition:
    Repaired. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading.
  • Seller Location:
    Denver, CO
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 203331stDibs: LU1004629015682

More From This Seller

View All
Antique Native American Hopi Kachina Doll 'HeHeya Clown', Early 20th Century
By Native American Art
Located in Denver, CO
This antique Hopi HeHeya Clown Kachina doll, created in the first quarter of the 20th century, is a beautifully crafted representation of a traditional H...
Category

Early 20th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Wood

19th-Century Kiowa-Apache Beaded Hide Bag, Native American Plains Artifact
By Native American Art
Located in Denver, CO
This rare and beautifully preserved 19th-century Kiowa-Apache hide bag is an exceptional example of Native American Plains artistry and craftsmanship. Expertly hand-stitched from nat...
Category

Antique 19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Hide, Beads

20th C. Native American Plains Roach Headdress, Traditional Regalia
Located in Denver, CO
A striking 20th-century Native American Plains Indian roach headdress, also known as a hair ornament, traditionally worn during dances and ceremonies. Thi...
Category

Antique 1880s American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Fur

Crow Plains Native American Beaded Leather Cuffs, Bar Design, 20th Century
By Native American Art
Located in Denver, CO
Exceptional pair of late 19th-century Northern Plains Native American wrist cuffs, attributed to the Crow (Apsáalooke) people. Also known as gauntlet cuffs, these pieces are crafted ...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Tin

Antique Lakota Sioux Doctor’s Bag, 19th C Buffalo Hide with Trade Beadwork
By Native American Art
Located in Denver, CO
This antique 19th-century Lakota (Sioux) doctor’s bag is an exceptional example of Plains Indian beadwork artistry, crafted from native-tanned buffalo hide and intricately adorned wi...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Hide, Beads

19th C. Plains Native American Roach Headdress, Deer & Porcupine Hair
By Native American Art
Located in Denver, CO
This exceptional 19th-century Plains Indian roach headdress is a rare and visually striking example of traditional Native American ceremonial regalia. ...
Category

Antique 19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Fur

You May Also Like

Early 20th Century Native American Apache Olla Basket
By Apache Indian Art
Located in Bradenton, FL
Wonderful bulbous form antique Native American Apache Olla Basket, circa early 1900s, with vertical geometric columns interspersed with animal figur...
Category

Early 20th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Natural Fiber

Sioux Beaded Patriotic Doctor's Bag, Early 20th Century
By Sioux Indian Art
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Patriotic Native American Sioux beaded doctor's bag. 62 American flags and crests. Large doctors bag; Sioux beaded. Came from a trading post in South Dakota; estimate first half 20th century, sold in the 1970's for $16,500. Bright, visual, patriotic and great condition for age (see photos). Beadwork over a vintage leather doctor's bag. Period: 1st half 20th century Origin: Sioux, Plains Size: 10" x 12" x 18". Family Owned & Operated Cisco’s Gallery deals in the rare, exceptional, and one-of-a-kind pieces that define the history of America and the Old West. Our pieces range from American Indian to Cowboy Western and include original items of everyday life, commerce, art, and warfare that tamed America’s frontier. Our 14,000 square foot gallery opened in 1996 in beautiful Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Personal Service Cisco’s operates on old fashioned values – honesty and integrity, and all of our items are backed by our money back guarantee. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business. Whether you desire assistance with a jewelry purchase, choosing a gift, identification, or even selling – we hope to be your trusted source. Native American beadwork native American Indian beadwork...
Category

Early 20th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Leather

Unusual 20th Century Kachina "style" Doll of a Navajo Figure with Large Hands
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Painted cottonwood Kachina "style" doll depicting a Navajo, circa 1940s. It is in good condition, with bright color. Kachina dolls were usually created to teach Hopi children the var...
Category

Vintage 1940s American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Wood

Northwest Coast Wooden Doll with Thunderbird, Eagle Mask
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Seated figure with Thunderbird mask; carved yellow cedar, Thunderbird mask (eagle) depicted as head on a seated human body. Arms are dramatically open and outstretched. Large, richly detailed Thunderbird Mask, permanently attached with oblong eyes painted red, black and white. Edge decorated with dyed (red) spruce root as simulated mask harness over shoulders and across the chest. Dance apron; Seated figure wearing an apron of shredded cedar bark. Held on to figure at the waist with woven cedar string and abalone shell on button at back. Approximately 7" wide/long by 4" high. Bench; carved from cedar. Decorated on the back with bear face, outlined with inlaid red dyed spruce root. Ears, eyebrows and nose of inlaid abalone shell. Eyes of inlaid fossilized ivory...
Category

Vintage 1920s American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Cedar

Early 20th Century Navajo Rug
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking early 20th century Navajo blanket with a bold all-over diamond pattern woven in crimson, white, gray, and black wool.
Category

Vintage 1940s North American Navajo North and South American Rugs

Materials

Wool

Early 20th Century Sioux Beaded Moccasins
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Native American Sioux Indian beaded moccasins with buffalo hoof design, beaded tabs and parfleche soles. Stunning geometric beaded designs done in colors of green, red, blue, and whi...
Category

Early 20th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Beads