History and Background of the Apache Indians.

The Apache migrated down from the Canadian area and settled in the plains and

southwestern part of the United States around 850 A.D. They were the dominant settlers

of most of northern Mexico, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas for many decades. The

Apache were divided into 6 sub-tribes, Bedonkone, Chieanen, Chihenne, Chokonen,

Nedni, and the White Mountain Apache. The different tribes varied on ways of life. Some

lived in the mountains and hunted while others farmed on the plains. Their main type of

home, however, was the same throughout all the Apache tribes. They lived in a dome-

shaped brush hut covered with brush, grass, and reed mats. There was often a fire circle

in the middle with a smoke hole chimney. During the peace time, they built elaborate huts

with more detail, but during the wars, their shelters were poorly constructed and ready to

be destroyed in a matter of minutes to avoid conflict with other tribes.

Apachean tribes ca. 18th century (Ch – Chiricahu...

Map showing the Fort Apache Indian Reservation (in...

English: Young Jicarilla Apache boy, 2009

The Apache were

swift warriors and their battle ways become legendary. They often raided Spanish and

pioneer settlements. Those people saw the Apache as barbaric, which is how they got the

name 'Apache,' it was the Zuni word for 'enemy.' However, the Apache were not fierce,

and they only took what the tribe needed, but they traded most of the time. They were

often in conflict with the Pima, Papago, and Pueblo tribes.

One of the bands of the Apache were the Jicarilla, probably the most popular.

They were known for their craftsmanship of traditional clay pots, baskets, and beadwork.

The Jicarilla were one of the Apache tribes that hunted more than they farmed. Like most

Apache and Southwestern Indians, they also stayed in small groups related through the

female blood line and they traveled with the changing seasons. The nearby...