Learn about the many uses of the agave plant and how it is used to make Apache violins.

What parts of the agave plant are gathered and what are they used for?

What items did the Apache make from the agave stalk?

What did the Apache use to make their baskets waterproof?

Anthony Belvado is a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. He learned the art of making violins from an agave stalk from his gra

Salton Reede, Sr. Mr, Belvado is pictured here with one of the violins he made. A link to an article about Mr. Belvado can be found below.

You can learn more about Mr. Belvado in the article linked below.

Photo was taken by Steven Meckler and is shared courtesy of Southwest Folklife Alliance.

Listen to Anthony Belvado talk about Apache violin making and hear him play the instrument.

In this video made for the Musical Instrument Museum, you see Anthony Belvado making an Apache violin and playing traditional music with it.

Chesley Wilson locates a dry agave stalk for use to make a fiddle, Redington Pass area, Arizona.

Chesley Wilson cuts the agave stalk for two fiddles, Redington Pass area, Arizona.

Chesley Wilson demonstrates how to play an Apache fiddle, Fremont House, Tucson, AZ.

Standards for Apache Agave Cultivation