Native American, Southwest, Apache, ca. 1890s to 1910s. A charming Apache cradleboard and doll. The cradleboard is made of wood, painted fabric, and glass beads - with a backboard comprised of wooden strips laced together with twine and a curved hood made from petite bentwood branches secured with sinew. In addition, cotton muslin embellished with an ochre stain and decorative glass "salt and pepper" (a term used for multi-color) beads of colorful hues cover the cradleboard. The doll within is made from stuffed muslin with beads indicating her facial features, a beaded necklace around her neck, and a full head of hair made of fine variegated yarn. A floral patterned fabric coverlet runs from the doll's torso to the foot of the cradleboard. Size: 13.25" L x 5.75" W x 5" H (33.7 cm x 14.6 cm x 12.7 cm)

This doll was found in a home in Las Cruces, New Mexico and came from the Freudenthal family. The Freudenthals were Prussian immigrants who became a prominent pioneer family in the American Southwest. In the mid 19th century, the Freudenthal family established various businesses – mercantile, banking, mining, and agricultural – in New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, and New York, along with the Lesinsky and Solomon families. Interestingly, the three families were related by marriage.

Phoebus Freudenthal came to Las Cruces, New Mexico at age 13 and eventually had a family and opened his own store. They moved to Solomonville, Arizona in 1890 and Phoebus established a general store. Items like this toy doll carrier may have been acquired via trade. In fact, this Apache cradleboard doll was found with a collection of baskets along with a letter discussing the collection that was written on Solomon Commercial Company stationary, signed by Phoebus, and dated 1911.

Provenance: J Compton Gallery, Wimberley, Texas, USA

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#169896

Expected wear with some tears to fabric, losses to beadwork, and stains commensurate with age. The coverlet has a two-inch tear near the top that is hidden by a fold in the fabric. A small row of beads is missing along the foot and a few beads are missing from the top of the hood, but the beadwork is original and largely intact. A lovely, early example.