Apache fiddle maker Anthony Belvado at SAR

Summary

In this heartfelt account, Anthony Bell Vito, a third-generation fiddle maker from the San Carlos Apache Tribe, shares his journey of learning the traditional craft of Apache fiddle-making from his grandfather. He recounts the challenges and triumphs of creating his first fiddle, the importance of using natural materials, and the cultural significance of the instrument, especially in Apache courtship rituals. The story highlights the deep connection between the Apache people, their traditions, and the music that has been passed down through generations, with a commitment to preserving this art for future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Apache fiddle is a traditional instrument with a history dating back to the 1800s and is deeply embedded in Apache culture.
• 😀 Anthony Bell Vito, a third-generation Apache fiddle maker, learned the craft from his grandfather, Salton Reed Sr., and continues the legacy today.
• 😀 The Apache fiddle was historically used in courtship rituals, with music playing an essential role in the cultural practices of the Apache people.
• 😀 The fiddle-making process involves using natural materials harvested at the right time, such as specific types of wood and pine pitch for the strings.
• 😀 Crafting the fiddle requires traditional tools like knives for carving and heated metal drills to create sound holes.
• 😀 Apache fiddles are unique to each maker, with personal style and design reflecting individual artistic expression while honoring the traditions passed down through generations.
• 😀 Fiddles are crafted with materials like Davi wood, sumac, juniper, or acacia for the bow, and horsehair or sinew for the strings.
• 😀 The fiddle’s sound is shaped by how the materials are harvested and treated, including the use of pine pitch, which is crucial for producing sound.
• 😀 Apache fiddle designs often incorporate symbols like diamonds, lightning, circles, and dots, which have spiritual and cultural meanings within Apache traditions.
• 😀 Anthony Bell Vito is dedicated to passing on the knowledge of fiddle making to his grandchildren, ensuring the survival of the craft for future generations.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Apache fiddle in Apache culture?

The Apache fiddle holds cultural significance as a traditional instrument used in Apache courtship rituals. It symbolizes power and was used to express emotions and communicate stories. The instrument also has a deep connection to Apache spirituality and history, with songs and dances associated with it.

How did the speaker get interested in making Apache fiddles?

The speaker became interested in making Apache fiddles after seeing a photograph of an Apache individual holding a fiddle, which intrigued him. He later discovered that his grandfather, Saltine Reed Senior, was a renowned fiddle maker and approached him for guidance in learning the craft.

What was the role of the speaker's grandfather in his learning process?

The speaker's grandfather, Saltine Reed Senior, played a crucial role in teaching him how to make Apache fiddles. He provided instructions on the right materials and techniques, including the correct plants to harvest at the right moment and how to construct the fiddle to produce the desired sound.

What mistake did the speaker make when making his first Apache fiddle?

When the speaker made his first Apache fiddle, he followed all of his grandfather's instructions, but it produced no sound. His grandfather later explained that the missing element was pine pitch, which needed to be applied to the strings to produce the instrument's sound.

What types of wood are used in making Apache fiddles, and how is it prepared?

Apache fiddles are traditionally made from wood, particularly from trees like the Davi. The wood is split in half and hollowed out to create the body of the fiddle. The quality and preservation of the wood, as well as the timing of its harvest, are crucial for producing the right sound.

How does the speaker describe his style of fiddle making compared to his grandfather's?

While the speaker's style of fiddle making is influenced by his grandfather's teachings, he also incorporates his own approach. His first fiddles differed from his grandfather's in terms of construction, and he has developed his own unique style through trial and error.

What role does the Apache fiddle play in Apache courtship rituals?

In Apache courtship, the fiddle is used as a medium for expressing emotions and for wooing a potential mate. The person playing the fiddle would sing songs and sometimes apply pollen to the instrument as part of the ritual. It was believed to have power, and the courtship would involve secretive, ritualistic steps, such as singing from a distance and waiting for a response.

How does the speaker feel about sharing his knowledge of Apache fiddle making?

The speaker feels a deep responsibility to share his knowledge of Apache fiddle making, particularly with younger generations like his grandchildren. He values the tradition and wishes to pass on the skills and cultural significance of the craft to ensure its continuation.

What materials does the speaker use in making his fiddles, and why are they significant?

The speaker uses all-natural materials for his fiddles, including wood from specific plants like mesquite and juniper, and horsehair for the strings. The use of these materials is significant because they are traditionally used in Apache fiddle making, and they hold cultural and spiritual importance.

What does the speaker mean when he says the fiddle has power?

When the speaker says the fiddle has power, he refers to the spiritual and emotional energy embedded in the instrument. The fiddle is not just a musical instrument but a tool that carries cultural and ritual significance, especially in the context of Apache courtship and ceremonies.