Apache
Apache
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia:
Total population: 56,060 (self-identified)
Regions with significant populations: Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma
Languages: Chiricahua, Jicarilla, Lipan Apache, Plains Apache, Mescalero, Western Apache
Religion: Native American Church, Christianity, traditional shamanistic tribal religion
Related ethnic groups: Navajo, Dene
Apache is the collective term for several culturally related groups of Native Americans in the United States originally from the Southwest United States. These indigenous peoples of North America speak a Southern Athabaskan (Apachean) language, which is related linguistically to the languages of Athabaskan speakers of Alaska and western Canada.
The modern term Apache excludes the related Navajo people. Since the Navajo and the other Apache groups are clearly related through culture and language, they are all considered Apachean. Apachean peoples formerly ranged over eastern Arizona, northern Mexico, New Mexico, west and southwest Texas, and southern Colorado. The Apachería consisted of high mountains, sheltered and watered valleys, deep canyons, deserts, and the southern Great Plains.
The Apachean groups had little political unity; the major groups spoke seven different languages and developed distinct and competitive cultures. The current division of Apachean groups includes the Navajo, Western Apache, Chiricahua, Mescalero, Jicarilla, Lipan, and Plains Apache (formerly Kiowa-Apache). Apache groups live in Oklahoma and Texas and on reservations in Arizona and New Mexico.
Some Apacheans have moved to large metropolitan areas. The largest Apache urban communities are in Oklahoma City, Kansas City, Phoenix, Denver, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Some Apacheans were employed in migrant farm labor and relocated to the central agricultural regions of Southern California, such as the Coachella, Imperial and Colorado River valleys, where now tens of thousands of Apacheans live.
The Apachean tribes were historically very strong and strategic, opposing the Spanish and Mexican peoples for centuries. The first Apache raids on Sonora appear to have taken place during the late 17th century. In 19th-century confrontations, the U.S. Army found the Apache to be fierce warriors and skilful strategists.
Apache – Geronimo
Without a doubt the most famous of those that are called Apache is Geronimo. Dozens of books, movies, documentaries have attempted to explore or exploit his fame. Were they successful?
Though there are said be about 15 Western Movies exploring/exploiting Geronimo, yet I was only able to discover 3 posters:
Geronimo: an American Legend (1993)
Despite a stellar cast that includes Wes Studi (as Geronimo), Robert Duvall, and Gene Hackman, Geronimo: an American Legend (1993) received only luckwarm reviews and fanfare – possibly not living up to hopes and expectations. The movie attempts an historical depiction of Geronimo, but seemed to fall down entertainment wise. It’s always a difficult balance to combine historical accuracy and Entertainment – even with subject matter like this.
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Oops! Your opening photo is misidentified as Geronimo. It is the Edward Curtis image of an Apache named Eskadi, from the Library of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/item/93506861/
Figures … I’ll fix that.
Thank You !!
Ah you are thinking that the top image is labeled as Geronimo. It is not. Just the bottom 2. The top image is only identified as an Apache native.
I have that same picture of Geronimo (the one at the top) on my office wall. It reminds me to remain defiant and hang tough.
It’s a very famous photo as you know. Speaks loudly.
I forgot about the 1993 film and thanks for the history review! WE have Apache here in the Verde Valley, there is a reservation in my town of Clarkdale. I like to shoot pool with them on Thursday nights 😉
Wisht i wuz there. Sounds like a good time.