Apache Beaded Cradle with Doll

ca. 1950

3.75″ H x 9.5″ L x 3.75″ W

Hand Crafted Cradle from Yellow and Purple Fabric with Flower Design, Wood and Red and White Glass Seed Bead Details with Baby Doll Inside

In Very Good Condition with Typical Aged Wear as Shown in Pictures

Apache cradleboards (known as ts’aal in the Apache language) are traditional baby carriers made by Native American Apache peoples, particularly from groups like the Western Apache, San Carlos, or White Mountain Apache. These are wooden frames (often cottonwood or willow) with a protective hood or “rainbow” arch, laced with buckskin or cloth, and frequently decorated with intricate glass seed beadwork in geometric patterns like zigzags, crosses, or stars.

Many include a small cloth or buckskin doll (representing a papoose or baby) tucked inside, often dressed in miniature clothing with beaded accessories. These smaller versions are commonly toy or miniature cradleboards made for children, as collectibles, or for ceremonial purposesthough full-sized ones were historically used to carry real infants safely while allowing mothers mobility.