About the Apache Indians
The Apache Indians were once a powerful people who often found themselves at odds with American and Mexican people. This group lived a nomadic life and were a violent group, often raiding towns and settlements to things they wanted from them. Because of this violence, the Apache people lost all of the allies they once had, including the Pueblo Indians.
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The Facts
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The Apache Indians were known for their harsh ways and war-minded attitude. The Apaches were quick to fight with anyone, including other tribes, that stood in their way of getting what they wanted or needed. Because the Apache Indians were a largely nomadic group, they lived off of large, wild game, such as buffalo. When an Apache killed a buffalo, they made good use of every part of the buffalo. They used the skin and hide for clothing and tents. They made weapons and tools from the bones.
Type
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The Apache Indians weren't a unified people. There are seven different sub-tribes of Apache Indians. These are Lipan, Mescalero, Chiricahua, Kiowa-Apache, Western Apache, Navajo and Jicarilla. The main differences between these sub-tribes is the language that each spoke. While these languages were similar enough for the Apaches to understand people from a different sub-tribe, they were different enough to draw a clear line between them.
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Geography
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The Apache Indians lived mostly in Texas and Oklahoma until they began to fight with the Comanches. Once this happened, many Apache tribes had to flee westward into portions of New Mexico and Arizona. Today, most Apache Indians live on Indian reservations in the Southwest portion of the US. Some of the Apaches also have moved into larger cities such as New York City.
Risk Factors
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Because the Apache Indians were a nomadic warring people that were often involved in conflicts, injuries and illnesses were often fatal. Many times, the tribe would leave injured or sick members behind with only one person, often a female, to care for them while the tribe continued their journey.
This would often mean death for both of the people left behind, either from illness or being killed by an enemy. Pregnant women had to labor and give birth on the move unless they wanted to risk being left behind. Even the children were expected to keep up with the rest of the tribe.
Misconceptions
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Many people believe that the Apache Indians didn't have any type of religious beliefs. Actually, Apache Indians believed that Apache Indians who had died stayed with their tribe in spirit. The Apache Indians would ask these spirits for help by performing various rituals, such as dances. Sometimes, this would be to grow a good crop or heal an ailing member. The Apache would also thank the spirits for the good things that happened. This was also done with various rituals such as dances or food offerings.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Apache Headdress Courtesy of Brad Hyman
