Amos Gustina – Apache Violin – Early 20th C. – SOLD

Early 20^th C. Apache violin made by the most renowned of all Apache violin makers, Amos Gustina (1858-1945). The instrument is very large at 22” long and 5 ½” wide. It is brilliantly painted with complex geometric designs perhaps representing stars, the sun, water, and mountains. Mr. Gustina’s violins were featured in a Summer 1981 American Indian Art magazine article by Apache expert, Alan Ferg.

These violins were made by splitting a large agave plant, hollowing out the interior, and binding the two halves together with wire. There are two holes for pegs at the bottom of the violin, indicating that this is a two-string instrument. The Apache name for these is tsii’ edo’a’tl, which means “wood that sings.” It comes with a custom-made heavy metal stand that displays it perfectly.