THE APACHES By Mate Borka

Name origins  Apache means “enemy” in the language of the Zuni (they were neighbors)  In their own language Nde or Ndee which mean “people”  Today they call themselves Apache even in their own language

Accommodation  Natives of the Southwest deserts (Arizona, New Mexico and Texas)  Some Apache people could be also found around the northern border of Mexico.  One Apache band, the Na'ishan or Plains Apache, lived far away from the other Apaches, in what is now Oklahoma.

Accommodation  In the South West they lived in so called wickiups.

Accommodation  However, Plain Apaches and Lipan Apaches lived in tipis (teepees).

Clothing  Women wore buckskin dresses.  Men wore leather war shirts and breechcloths.

Clothing  From the 1800’s men started to wear white cotton tunics and pants and women put on calico skirts and dresses.

Clothing  Their footwear was moccasins.

Clothing  They also wore feather warbonnets (not traditional wear, Plain Apaches adopted it from their Kiowa allies)

Food  The Apache people were primarily hunters.  They hunted:  buffalo  deer  antelope  small game

Food  Women gathered:  seeds  nuts  fruits

Food  Although they were not farmers, they ate corn.  They got it by trade or from raids.  Favorite Apache recipes:  cornbread  acorn stew

Customs/Organization  Thirteen different Apache tribes in the United States today:  five in Arizona,  five in New Mexico  three in Oklahoma.  Apache bands were led by their own chiefs, who were chosen by a tribal council.  Important decisions were made by the council.  All the Apache council members had to agree before an action could be taken.

Customs/Organization  Women were in charge of the home.  Looked after the children  Responsible for building new houses each time they moved  Defended their home if it was necessary

Customs/Organization  Men were:  hunters  warriors  political leaders  Only men could be chiefs.

Religion  They believed that spirits lived among them.  They thought that spirits lived in mountains, streams, etc.

Religion  Mountain Spirit Dance:  They were praying to their ancestors.  Apache Fiddle – Bow and One String:  As its name suggests, they put a string on a bow and used it as an instrument during ceremonial dances.

And nowadays?  Dah, reservations.

And nowadays?  However, some people, who stick to the old Apache religion, live in modified wickiups as when death occurs in the family, the accommodation has to burn and they have to build a new home.  Most Apache tribes still use the council system for their government today.

Thank you for your attention!

Bibliography   he/religion.html he/religion.html