Warrior Training

Training of Warriors began at age of 6 or 7.  Young boys were taken under the wing of a male relative: father, grandfather, paternal uncle and given a bow/arrow and taught how to wrestle. The basic philosophy of Apache training was that even if outgunned or outnumbered they should never be outfought or outmaneuvered.  Training was crucial for survival as it was essential to minimize warrior losses in light of the larger populations of their enemies.  Death was to be avoided.  It was better to fight another day than to die meaninglessly.  Sometimes it was better to end a conflict with two combatants fighting to death than to take useless losses by risking the lives of five or six.  Novices were disciplined by games to enhance their endurance from racing before dawn for ten miles without swallowing any water, or learning to swim in icy water, to activities that increased strength/agility including hand-to-hand combat, wrestling, and developing dexterity in horsemanship.  Apache coordination/flexibility was facilitated by shooting arrows/stones through a rolling hoop or at birds, squirrels, rabbits, or organizing sling shot battles amongst themselves.  From age 10-12 Cochise’s training regimen became more psychological as he was taught to rely only on himself:

“My son, you know no one will help you in this world.
You run to that mountain and come back.

That will make you strong.

My son, you know no one is your friend, not even your sister, your father or your mother.
Your legs are your friends; your brain is your friend;
Your eyesight is your friend; your hair is your friend; your hands are your friends; you must do something with them.
When you grow up you live with these things and think about it.”

Other principles Cochise was taught were:  “You must have your arrows and your bows where you can grab them.  Keep your knife beside you.  Have your moccasins ready.  Be on alert in peace or war.  Don’t spend all your time sleeping.  Get up when the morning star comes out.  Watch for that star.  Don’t let it get up before you do.”

At fourteen, Cochise like others before him became a warrior novice.  The training regimen became more psychological focused on quieting the mind and the importance of obedience and silence.  At this time, under the guidance of a medicine man, Cochise would embark on a four day Vision Quest to acquire clarity about his identity as well as insights into his dark side or fears so that they could be mastered.  Cochise, during fasting, would fall in and out of altered states of consciousness.  Within these dream states, he received insights into his power medicine through the appearance of animal messengers who would instruct him how to prepare for battle and what to wear to protect him from the enemy.  Cochise’s novitiate ended by participating in four raids.  During this time, Cochise invoked the persona of “Child of Water” and reenacted the ancient Creation Story of “slaying of monsters.” Sexual intercourse was taboo!  On the raid, only cold food was allowed, avoiding horse injuries emphasized, and water was drunk through a special straw.  These rituals were established to develop greater self-control in battle.  Generally on these raids Cochise’s role was limited to that of gathering wood, watching horses, and clearing the camp sites.  Cochise, upon successfully completing his last raid, would be accepted by the warriors as a member.  On these raids, Cochise learned never to travel in the desert daylight as it raised too much dust, to approach water springs only in the stillness of night, to rest at night in hollows where the enemy would never think to look, and when caught in the open he was instructed to imitate the lizard by covering self with sand.  Cochise similarly learned how to read track signs as every track is uniquely different in size and weight, and instructed to move away from gunfire by circling around like a hawk.  Cochise excelled with the spear, a symbol of leadership, which was appropriate to his role as leader of Chokonens.

Apache Women

Apache Women were central to the culture because of the fragility of life in the southwest. In fact it can be stated that women were regarded as the mainstay of their culture. Surprisingly in light of the warrior ethos of the Apaches the culture was actually matrilineal and matriarchal! In the Apache culture, women were viewed as superior to men, sexism was absent. Their centrality flowed from the Creation Story revolving around “White Painted Lady”, their role in sowing and gathering food and in sustaining the future of the tribe through child birth. In fall they dug roots, prickly pears gathered, acorns, pinion nuts, bean of mesquite and banana like fruit of the yucca. In spring/summer they filled their baskets, light shallow trays or tall flat bottom called burden baskets for transporting or storing with wild onions, greens, grass seeds, berries and cactus fruit. In short it was the women who provided for the welfare of the tribe; they knew every source of precious water, planned clan movements on the basis of ripening plants or abundance of small game including prairie dogs and rabbits and their word was law superseding even the hunting and raiding of men! Women also provided spiritual support by praying for good fortune when their men were away on raids; whenever they pulled a pot from a camp fire there was a silent remembrance or reflection. They were careful in stacking wood as it was a belief that scattered kindling brought bad luck! Occasionally women acted as healers/herbalist and all were skilled in defending themselves against attack being familiar with the warrior arts of knives, bows/arrows/ spears/guns. Self-defense was important especially after scalp hunting became a Mexican/American policy. Bounty hunters, soldiers, trappers often decorated their saddles with scalps and sold Apache women into bondage. They were learned in the tactic of rendezvous, camouflage, tracking, riding of horses. There is a story of how a group of captured Apache women were able to escape from central Mexico and work their way back to Apacheria by traveling at night and staying off the main arteries and living off the land showing a keen geographic understanding as well as manifesting a survival instinct equal to any warrior. Lozen the younger sister of Victoria was a women warrior without equal who constantly fought. Lozen was described by James Kaywaykla as a “… magnificent women on a beautiful horse” urging the women and children to cross the treacherous Rio Grande River after Victoria’s band fled from the hated San Carlos Reservation. She never married and had the gift of clairvoyance being able to determine where the enemy was by a tingling in her palm. As she stated: “I see as one from a height sees in every direction.” Unfortunately Lozen was not there when Victorio was surrounded by Mexican troops in October 1880. Her life spans the Apache Wars from the conflict with Mexico to the annexation of Apacheria by the Pindah to the surrender of Geronimo in 1886 which she negotiated. Lozen was exiled to the East where she died of tuberculosis in Alabama in 1890. (Cf, Aleshire, Warrior Women, pp.54-57.)

Cochise's Family/Inner Circle

 

                     KEY FAMILY MEMBERS:

                                                                            

1.      COYUNTURA (Kin-o-tera) - CLOSEST brother to Cochise. Often served as a sounding board /advisor. His wife Yones spoke Spanish and often negotiated with Mexicans in Sonora/Chihuahua. Had a son Chie who guided General O. O. Howard to Cochise’s camp in the Dragoon Mountains in 1872. Coyuntura was one of Cochise’s relatives who were hung by Lieutenant Bascom at Apache Pass in February 1861 triggering the Apache Wars. Cochise was devastated by the death of his brother Coyuntura. According to Sweeney Cochise possibly marries Yones.(Cf, Sweeney,p.166)

2.      Juan - was Cochise’s younger brother who was known for his humor and fun making. Though lacking the seriousness/insight of Coyuntura his laughter was often a good tonic for Cochise.

3.      Dos-teh-seh (“Something already cooks by the fire”) – daughter of Mangas Coloradas. Her mother was the legendary beautiful Mexican women that Mangas brought to Chihenne camp causing a conflict with his first wife’s family leading to a knife fight in which Mangas slayed his two brothers-in-law. Dos-teh-seh was a warrior, beautiful, intelligent, who after the death of Coyuntura became Cochise‘s alter ego. Cochise and she married in late 1830’s. (Cf, Aleshire, pp. 55-56). She gave birth to two boys:

4.      Taza the eldest was born around 1840. He looked more like his grandfather, Mangas Coloradas, although smaller in stature. Cochise trained Taza to be his heir apparent and had him promise in June 1876 to follow the road of peace. Cochise asked his lieutenants to swear allegiance to Taza which unfortunately broke down after Cochise’s passing. Taza witnessed the collapse of the Chiricahua Reservation and although disheartened he agree to lead his people to San Carlos. Only half of the Band followed him. Later on a good will trip to Washington with Indian Agent John P. Clum he caught pneumonia and was buried in the Congressional cemetery in Washington in September 1876.

5.      Nachise (“Wei-chi-ti or Mischief Maker”) the younger son was born in mid- 1850’s. Nachise in looks favored his father. And after the death of Taza would emerge as leader of the Chokonens. Played a significant role in the Geronimo conflicts of 70’and 80’s. Surrender to General Miles in 1886 and then with rest of the Chiricahuas sent to Florida/Alabama as prisoners of war. In 1894 he along with the remaining Chiricahuas were sent to Fort Sill Oklahoma where they would remain prisoners until 1913. Then Naiche and 77 others were offered an opportunity to move to Mescalero Reservation in New Mexico.  Naiche died there in 1919.

6.      Cochise had another or 2nd wife whose name remains unknown. She gave birth to two daughters in late 50’/early 60’s called Dash-den-zhoos and Naithlo-tonz. Neither survived. Apache custom was never to use the name of a person who has passed a sit impeded their transition to the “Spirit World.” Creates difficulty in researching.

7.      Elbys Naiche Hugar is great/great granddaughter of Cochise. Elbys lives on Mescalero Reservation where over the years she has taken a leadership role in preserving Apache culture helping to bring back the language. She has been curator of Mescalero Apache Cultural Center and has served has a film consultant. (Cf., Stockel, pp.63-87.)

Cochise/Teamsters/Return Scenario

         

Cochise and 5 of his warriors riding back from a meeting with Mangas Coloradas at Stein’s Peak were crossing Sulphur Spring when they saw dust in the distance manufactured by a Pindah supply train of 5 teamsters carrying cotton cloth, bales of wire, ammunition on the Tucson road. Cochise motioned to his warriors to fan out, and to prepare an ambush. The warriors drawing from the example of legendary Child - of -Water buried themselves into the sand like gophers, invisible to oncoming teamsters, and as the three wagons came across the hill, the phantom warriors emerged ghost like from the landscape striking mercilessly and quickly. It was over in five minutes. The warriors freed the mules from the wagons, gathered the guns and cotton cloth, and prepared to vanish into Dragoons.  Cochise before leaving had his men check the pockets of the slain Pindah for gold/money which could be traded in Sonora or Chihuahua for guns/ammunition. One of the whites still alive but badly wounded was found with an Apache scalp in his saddle bag. Cochise winced upon seeing the scalp, probably a women or child, felt his rage exploding within. He heard the anguish of the women crying out for justice. Apaches did not take scalps as they saw such mutilation as a terrible “spiritual” travesty.  Over the years the war with Pindah had become increasingly brutal. Cochise ordered his men to dig a hole and placed the Pindah in it as deep as his neck so only the head remained visible. Then he had his men covered the man‘s head with honey and watched as the ants came and began to eat away  his face, eyes, nose with the man crying  loudly for mercy. The death was agonizing. Apache justice would be served as it would doom the victim to wonder aimlessly in the spirit world. Cochise took inner satisfaction: “it was just punishment for the wrongs done the Apaches who were ironically viewed as “animals” by Whites”. Mounting his roan, he then motioned Nahilzay to lead the way back to western stronghold as the “People” would begin to worry about what was delaying him. Within an hour, the silhouettes of the Dragoons appeared, and flashing glass signals were sent that Cheis was returning. Chokonens made ready for his return by preparing a welcome. Women lit the fires into the stronghold and the people gathered forming a path and began to intone “Here He comes”, “Here He comes”, and “He ride before them”, “His name is Cheis”, “His Name is Cheis”. As Cochise and the small party emerged from the Canyon into the protective valley below the greeting became ever louder. Nahilzay leading the way gave a short rendition of their encountered with the Teamsters, and the role played by Cochise as a prelude to celebration that would take place that evening regarding their safe return in which the “People” would thank the mountain spirits, “Gaans", for the continued protection of their leader.

Preface/Cochise: Life/Times

 

My initial encounter with Cochise came during World War II when my parents’ relationship broke and I found myself profoundly affected by the loss of my Father. It was a big loss; I struggled for years over it. I was caught in the deep journey described by Joseph Campbell as the “Search for the Father”. As an “orphan archetype” I was confused, angry and self-destructive. My self-image had been bruised. Luckily my mother realizing that she could no longer manage me sent me off at the age of eight to live with my Uncle/Aunt and cousins. This provided stability and role models to learn from. While there I was drawn to native culture. I am not sure why or how the “spiritual magic” entered into my life leading me in their direction. I read everything I could about the Native experience and probably identified with them too as they had been orphaned/demonized and ethnically cleansed but nonetheless displayed incredible nobility, honor, and courage in the face of overwhelming odds.

At this juncture when I was about twelve Cochise arrived. The vehicle that brought him alive was the film “Broken Arrow” made in 1950. Jeff Chandler played Cochise, and although he was not indigenous, his role was so powerful that it exercised a significant emotional influence upon me. The film then led me to the historical fictional novel from which it was drawn, namely, Blood Brother, written by Elliot Arnold in 1947. My mother retells the story that when we first saw the film she realized the impact it was having and we stayed for all 5 showings. The same passion gripped me when I read Blood Brother. If I read it once I must have read it a dozen times. I just couldn’t get enough of the “Cochise Story”, I was snake bitten. I was drawn to Cochise’s honesty, compassion, strength, courage, and wisdom. He was the iconic “Father” figure and I wanted to imitate and internalize the qualities he had displayed during a difficult time for the Apaches as they experienced a serious challenge from a different culture.

Extraordinarily Cochise emerged as my internal “Sage Archetype” or voice/ guide who helped me to transform the youthful negative “orphan” images/patterns of victim, self-piety into a deeper insight that from loss emerges growth, wisdom and transformation. Out of this budding relationship with Cochise came the realization that everyone has the ability to create through the power of imagination and knowledge internal models of inspiration leading to a deeper appreciation of self and the frailties of the human condition humanity. Cochise expanded my appreciation for diversity and Native culture. There was so much “wisdom” that the dominant culture could learn from the Apaches about community, relationships, “Mother Earth”, four legged, nature, “rock people”, time, and healing. Indeed it wasn’t until 1989 that I realized what a profound impact Cochise had in shaping my life.  Upon leaving a “Forty Day Spiritual Retreat” in Taos, I along with a friend, drove to Chiricahuas Mountains to visit Chiricahua National Monument. I was very excited and expected to see many monuments to Cochise and his people, but soon went away baffled, confused and upset as hardly a word or artifact was to be found about the Apaches who had been there for centuries. I left visibly shaken and my friend pointing this out indicated to me that Cochise indeed had replaced my biological father. I vowed at that moment to honor his memory by writing a biography of him and his times.

Cochise and His Times : Book Outline

COCHISE: TIME ,PEOPLE, AND CULTURE

BOOK OUTLINE

Chapter I: The Landscape and Geography: Desert, Mesas, Mountains, Flora/ Fauna with emphasis on desert plants, herbs, animals as well as discussion of paleo-Indians, Mongollan, Anasazi and Pueblo people.

Chapter II: Arrival of Apaches: Creation Story, Cultural values, social organization, philosophy of governance, leadership, bands /divisions, the Chiricahuas, warrior culture.

Chapter III: Spanish/ Mexican Presence: Coronado and 7 Cities of Gold,  horse/cattle/sheep, Santa Fe/New Spain, Padres and Missions, Apaches relationships with Spanish/Mexican, a Raiding economy.

Chapter IV:  Cochise: Child hood/adolescences, becoming  a leader, royal bloodline, death of the Father,  Mangas Coloradas, Mexican - American War, shifting boundaries, miners/prospectors, Apacheria under threat, dealing with White Eye Americans, Butterfield Line.

Chapter V: War( 1861-65): Bascom Affair, avenging family,  Fort Bowie, Battle of Apache Pass, Civil War, new war strategies, death of Mangas Coloradas, apparent victory over Americans, White flight from Apacheria, consolidating victories, emergence of Victoria, Juh, Lozen and Geronimo.

Chapter VI: War of Attrition (1865-72): The American return, new Washington program: reservations, acculturalization, ethnic cleansing, series of Forts, life becomes hard, war of attrition, Cochise on the run, pitting bands against bands, the use of Apache scouts, Crook, “the Grey Fox”, no way out.

Chapter VII. Looking for peace, mysterious Tom Jeffords, crossing cultures, “blood brothers”;  Grant administration, 1872 Camp Grant Massacre, Cushing and Juh, Coyler’s Peace Initiative, General Otis Howard, Cochise agrees to meet, creation of Chiricahuas reservation, Jeffords' agent.

Chapter VIII.  Cochise death, 1874, Taza emerges, Jeffords' fights to preserve the reservation, dissolved and Chiricahuas forced to settle at San Carlos, Geronimo and  others unhappy including Victoria who wished to live in his beloved Ojo Caliente lands, the death of Taza.

Chapter IX. The Victorio/GeronimoWars, 1878-1886, highlights, Victoria’s death by Mexican soldiers @ Tres Castillos (1880), Crook /Geronimo, Geronimo’s 1886 surrender ,Chiricahuas sent to Florida , Chiricahuas were permitted to return to Oklahoma in 1894 and then to Mescalero Reservation in 1909, but not to their original Arizona /New Mexico home land.

Chapter X. Historical analysis, today’s Apaches, future prospects/implications for America, return to the land of Cochise.

Apache Healers/Witches

 Witches and healers (Medicine Doctors) either men or women were those who manifested early a talent for communicating with the spirit world. "Some say that the earth talks to them, some say that the wind has life, some say the mountain." Doctors /witches usually received a vision or spiritual guidance instructing them in sacred songs and prayers for healing, for abundance, for blessing, to locate lost people, to control the weather, to weaken an enemy or to curse a person. Some "Doctors" were taken to a sacred mountain or cave where they were initiated into ceremony and received instructions about what and how to do it! During the healing there is a constant interplay between the Power and the practitioner. Some say that Cochise's death in 1874 was the machination of a witch! Geronimo as a war leader's had the “medicine” to extend the darkness, to vanish into air, to raise a dust storm. Lozen, Victoria’s sister was a great psychic warrior who had the ability to see into the future by experiencing after prayer an itch in her palm allowing her to locate/predicting enemy movements. As she stated: "I see as one from a height sees in every direction." Unfortunately for Victorio, her brother, she was not there when he ran into the Mexicans in October, 1880 at Tres Castillos. (Cf, Debo, Geronimo, pp.142-45; Stockel, Women of the Apache Nation, pp.29-51.)

               Doctoring/healing ceremony often was a four day ritual beginning with a Sweat in which the healer dressed in full regalia including wearing of turquoise, abalone shells, red coral, eagle feathers, pollen, black flint blades, white shell, and obsidian. Other items including tobacco, snakeweed and grama grass were part of their medicine bag. The Medicine person was accompanied by two assistants, a drummer and a rattler. The drumming sound in cadence with the rattle had the effect of calming the mind, releasing fear and was a reminder of the centrality of the heart in all healing. The drum cadence simulated the heart beat and the drum itself was consider spiritually alive return one to the spiritual
center of one's existence. The Doctor would sing: "I want nothing to harm us." "I want him to live" "Your Power must go into the life of this poor man." As the ceremony unfolded the doctor sprinkled the sick with pollen (symbol of life), red ocher, iron ore (strength), and white clay (purification). He simultaneously sang to the Four Directions, Colors (Red, White, Black and Yellow) and stones. Tea was used to heal and its plant burnt and smoke fanned over the patient with a sacred eagle feather. Cf, Opler, An Apache Life-Way pp.186-315, Film, “The Missing”)