Items Similar to Early 20th C. Western Apache Wooden Fiddle by Amos Gustina with Display Stand
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
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
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Established in 1979
1stDibs seller since 2013
147 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 13 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Denver, CO
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllEarly 20th Century Blackware Jar with Feather Design by Maria Martinez
By Native American Art
Located in Denver, CO
This exquisite blackware jar is a masterful creation by renowned San Ildefonso Pueblo potter Maria Martinez (1887-1980), celebrated for her groundbreaking black-on-black pottery tech...
Category
Early 20th Century American Native American Native American Objects
Materials
Ceramic
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
Antique Apache Native American Basketry Olla with Crosses, Circa 1910
By Apache Indian Art
Located in Denver, CO
This beautifully handcrafted Apache Basketry Olla, dating back to circa 1910, is a remarkable piece of Native American heritage. Featuring intricate cr...
Category
20th Century American Native American Native American Objects
Materials
Natural Fiber
Native American Roach, Plains, 20th Century
Located in Denver, CO
A plains Indian roach “Headdress or Hair Ornament”. Custom display stand is included. Dimensions without stand measures 15 x 15 x 16 inches. Height with s...
Category
Antique 1880s American Native American Native American Objects
Materials
Fur
Circa 1865 Northeastern Woodlands Ojibwe Powder Horn with Embellished Strap
By Native American Art
Located in Denver, CO
This exceptional Ojibwe powder horn, dating to the mid-19th century (circa 1865), hails from the Eastern Woodlands region and features intricate craftsmanship characteristic of the O...
Category
Antique 1860s American Native American Native American Objects
Materials
Horn, Fabric, Beads
Antique Native American Roach Headdress, 19th Century Plains Indian Tribal Art
By Native American Art
Located in Denver, CO
This stunning antique 19th-century Native American roach headdress, crafted by Plains Indian artisans, is a remarkable example of traditional tribal ar...
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
$360 Sale Price
20% Off
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
$937 Sale Price
25% Off
19th Century Native Apache Pictorial Tray
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
Apache pictorial tray with seven dogs and four crosses.
Period: Last quarter of the 19th century
Origin: Apache
Size: 12" x 2".
Family Owned & Operated
Cisco’s Gallery deals in t...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Native American Decorative Baskets
Materials
Other
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Antique Fiddles
Antique Wood Music Stand
Wooden Music Stand
Apache Fiddle
Gothic Piano
Upright Music Box
Vintage Brass Bugles
Vintage Keyboard Instruments
Vintage Radio Dial Glass
Antique Erard Piano
Antique Player Piano
Castiglioni Record Player
Catalin Radio
Erard Pianos
General Electric Radio
Horn Speakers
Restored Zenith
Space Age Stereo