Apache Beaded Bag – Rare Daagodigha Motif – 1901-1903 – SOLD

In the Apache language the word “Daagodigha” means “rising upward or they will be raised up.” It was the central theme in a religious movement that was prominent on diverse Apache reservations from about 1901-1903. As seen on this bag, the cross and crescent were the dominant symbols for those believing in Daagodhigha. The religious movement believed that Apache people would be raised up into the heavens and transformed. And when the Apache returned to earth, they would live forever and would have unlimited food and prosperity. This Apache bag is 10 1/2″ long from the top of the beaded strap to bottom of the beaded dangles which have tin cones attached. It is 4″ wide. When I acquired the bag, one side of the strap was detached, which I had professionally restored. For more information on Daagodhighga, see Alan Ferg, “Cross-And-Crescent Motifs Among the Western Apache–Part 1: Daagodigha,” # 70, American Art Magazine, Spring 1998.