About Weapons Used by the Apache Indians

Identification

The Apache name, meaning "the people," was better known as "enemy" to other tribes. The Apache are natives to the southwestern states of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, but some branched up to Oklahoma, where their customs were based more from their neighbor tribe, the Kiowa. The Apache valued their land and did anything to protect it, often resulting in battles with the Europeans, Americans and other tribes. Prior to the Europeans bringing horses to America, the Apache did all their travel by foot, including their battles.

The Apache Indians were known for raiding other tribes and stealing horses and corn and were considered cowards. They would sneak in quietly and attack, unlike other tribes and Europeans, who would attack at any time right out in the open. The Apache believed it took more skill and bravery to secretly attack and that the risk of losing their own life was greater. They also did not believe in open attacks, as women and children were very often hurt or killed during the surprise attacks the other tribes did. Apaches used their weapons when it was necessary to defend their land or obtain food. Sometimes the raids were done just to prove themselves. When it became necessary, women would also defend their village when under attack. Girls as well as boys learned to ride horses and shoot weapons. The Apache weapons used were bows and arrows, spears and shields made of buffalo hide. Guns were used after acquiring them through raids. The Apache Indians painted their faces before going out to battle and for ceremonies and celebrations. The Apache Indians, even though carrying knives, never scalped their enemies.

Farming was not in their nature. They were hunters who hunted for game using bows and arrows. Women picked fruits, nuts and seeds. Corn was obtained by trading with other tribes and the Spanish or during a raid at another Indian tribe's village. Women not only took care of their children and their homes, but they built new houses each time the tribe would relocate. These houses, made of sticks and buffalo hide tarp, could be built in as little as 2 hours. The Apache men were the hunters, warriors and leaders of their community.

The most popular Apache Indian remembered is Geronimo. He was a chief and medicine man who was believed to have been born in 1829. At age 16, Geronimo became a war chief and continued to lead his fellow warriors for nearly 50 years. He fought both Mexican troops as well as American troops using what guns they stole and their handmade bows and arrows. He was famous for successfully escaping numerous times from the United States military. He and his warriors were the very last group to refuse acceptance with the United States government. Finally, Geronimo surrendered on September 4, 1886. At age 76, Geronimo took part in President Roosevelt's inauguration.

Buffalo played an important part in the survival of the Apache Indians. Buffalo was plentiful, and Apache Indians hunted them by foot. Not hunted just for food, buffalo was used for many other purposes as well. The Apache used the skins for clothing, and they made tools such as spoons out of horns, glue from the hooves, and even the tails were used as fly swatters. They also made their shields and bow strings from buffalo as well. The shields were made from the hide around the neck of the buffalo because it is the thickest area and could deflect an incoming arrow. Each warrior had his own shield with his own paintings put on it as well as sacred objects hanging from it to signify special powers.

For further information, these books are about the Apache Indians, including a partial biography of Geronimo himself: "Canyon" by Gary Paulsen, "The Apache Indians" by Nicole Claro, "Geronimo: His Own Story" by Stephen Melvil Barrett and Geronimo, "The Apache" by Mary Englar, and "The Vital Statistics of an Apache Indian Community" by W.C. Borden.

You can also see on display weapons used by the Apache Indians by visiting the Museum of Natural History in New York or by visiting the Berman Museum of World History in Anniston, Alabama.