The Mescalero Apache were one of the fiercest of the Apache groups in the southwest when defending their homelands. Nomadic hunters and warriors, they moved from place to place setting up their wickiups , ranging in Texas, Arizona, and Mexico. Between , many Mescalero bands were displaced from the Southern Plains in northern and central Texas from the enemy Comanche , at which time, they took refuge in the mountains of New Mexico, western Texas, Coahuila and Chihuahua, Mexico.
A reservation was established for them in , first located near Fort Stanton , New Mexico. Ten years later, another reservation was established, which was situated almost entirely in Otero County. Later, they opened their doors to other Apache bands, the Chiricahua who were imprisoned at Fort Sill , Oklahoma, and the Lipan Apache. They are comprised of three sub-tribes — the Mescalero, Lipan, and Chiricahua, and have more than 3, members.
Many of them live on the square mile reservation that was once the heartland of their original territory. In the U. Many Apache live on reservations in Arizona and New Mexico.
Farming, cattle herding, and tourist-related businesses are important economic activities. The modern Apache way of life is a mixture of traditional beliefs and rituals, such as mountain spirit dances, and contemporary American culture. Apache Legends. Chief Victorio. Vintage Apache Photographs. Primary Menu Skip to content. Apache woman and basket. Geronimo, Chatto, Apache Chiricahua chief.
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Useful tips. Esther Fleming February 2, Table of Contents. Previous Article Does aluminum foil insulate cold? Beginning at dawn on the first day, the young girl is guided and advised by a medicine woman through four days of formal observances and events.
A teepee-shaped ceremonial structure is created by a medicine man and his male helpers. The structure is symbolically disassembled on the last day of the ceremony. The girl is dressed in the buckskin costume that she will wear for the following eight days. Her attendant supplies her with a length of reed that she must drink from for eight days, not allowing water to touch her lips. It is also forbidden for her to scratch herself with her fingernails. A wooden scratcher is provided that must be used for the same length of time.
The girl is urged to talk little, to heed what is said to her, and to maintain a dignified manner. By the end of the fourth day, every possible experience, even sleep and the old age stick, has been mentioned in songs and prayers for the long life and good fortune for the young maiden and for the Apache people.
For four more days after the completion of the ceremony, the young maiden must continue to wear her ceremonial buckskins and must not wash or come in contact with water. The young maiden must continue to use her drinking tube and scratcher. At the end of this period the medicine woman washes her hair and body with suds of the yucca root. Then she changes into her ordinary clothing, equipped for her new stage in life and her role in the community.
In the Apache way of life, there is a belief that a dark side of life is present, as well as a light side. In the dark side of life there is misery, and nothing progresses for the Apache.
Here in the light of life there is happiness; a world God created of peace and harmony. In this world of peace and harmony, everything progresses for our people. Our tribal enterprises, including Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino and Ski Apache are the an industries that provides for our people. These enterprises also contribute to the economy of the surrounding areas of the Southwest.
Therefore, we ask our friends and visitors to respect our Apache way of life. Snakes Do not enter the reservation with snakes or any product made of snake skin or any part of the animal. The Apache do not communicate with this animal; it is considered a bad omen to have contact with a snake. Bears The bear is an animal the Apache do not have contact with because bears are highly respected.
Never touch a bear, its waste materials, footprints, bedding area or anything the bear has touched. Do not call him by his name. Do not enter the reservation with the following: bearskin hides, claws or teeth. Owls The owl is a night creature and the Apache people do not have contact with this animal. Avoid having a night owl near you. It is considered a bad omen if an owl hoots near you day or night. Our Apache elderly people are highly respected.
They have earned the right to be known as elderly. The elderly preserve the traditions, culture, values and morals of the Mescalero Apache Tribe. Here are some examples of how an individual should approach the Apache elderly in everyday life. The Apache tribes are Native American Indians who inhabited the areas now known as Arizona and northwestern sections of Mexico.
No one is sure of the origin of the name Apache, but there are many theories. The Apache tribes may have been named after the Yavapai word for people epache , the Zuni word for enemy apachu , or an unspecified Quechan word that means fighting men. The Apache were known for being powerful, brave, and aggressive.
It is believed that because their language is similar, that the Apache and Navajo were once a lone ethnic group. The Apache were a large tribe, dating as far back as the early s.
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