The Apache, a collective term for several culturally related groups of Native Americans, are renowned for their fierce independence, adaptability, and complex social organization. Their traditional territories spanned across present-day Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and parts of Colorado, Oklahoma, and northern Mexico. Understanding the Apache requires a grasp of their internal divisions, specifically their organization into sub-tribes, bands, and clans. This article will delve into some of the known Apache Bands & Clans, drawing upon historical records and ethnographic studies to shed light on their identities and locations. The Apache Bands & Clans structure was fundamental to their survival and cultural continuity.
The Apache people are generally categorized into six sub-tribes, each with distinct territories, dialects, and customs. These sub-tribes include the Western Apache, Chiricahua, Mescalero, Jicarilla, Lipan, and Kiowa-Apache (though the Kiowa-Apache’s relationship is more complex, often considered culturally affiliated but linguistically distinct). Within these sub-tribes, the Apache further organized themselves into bands, which were autonomous, localized groups usually centered around a particular geographic area or resource. These bands, in turn, were often composed of several clans, kinship groups that traced their lineage back to a common ancestor.
Here we explore some of these individual bands and clans, based on historical documentation:
Akonye: Meaning "people of the canyon," the Akonye were an Apache band documented at the San Carlos Agency and Fort Apache in Arizona in 1881. The reference to them by Bourke suggests a potential connection or coordination with the Khonagani clan of the Navajo. This highlights the fluid boundaries and interactions that sometimes existed between different Native American groups in the region.
Apaches del Perrillo: The Spanish name translates to "Apaches of the little dog." This band occupied the region of the Jornada del Muerto in southern New Mexico during the 16th and 17th centuries. Their name originates from an incident where a dog discovered a spring, saving Spanish travelers from thirst. Historians believe they were likely a part of either the Mescalero or the Mimbreño Apaches of later periods. This illustrates how European interactions and observations shaped the historical record of Apache groups.
Apaches del Quartelejo: This was a band of Jicarilla Apaches who resided in the valley of Beaver Creek in present-day Scott County, Kansas, during the 17th and 18th centuries. The area was named Quartelejo by Juan Uribarri, who claimed it for Spain in 1706, renaming it the province of San Luis and designating the Indian settlement as Santo Domingo. This example shows the westward migration and adaptation of some Apache groups, as well as the imposition of Spanish colonial structures on their territories.
Apaches Mansos: The Spanish term "mansos" translates to "tame." This Apache band, consisting of approximately 100 individuals, was located in Arizona. The name "Apaches Mansos" likely reflects the perspective of the Mexicans, who used the term to distinguish them from more "warlike" Apache groups. It underscores the subjective nature of such labels and the importance of understanding the context in which they were applied.
Apatsiltlizhihi: Meaning "black Apache" (referring to the color black, "tlizhi"), this division belonged to the Jicarilla Apache. They identified the district of Mora, New Mexico, as their ancestral homeland. This highlights the importance of specific geographic locations in the cultural identity of Apache groups.
Bedonkohe: The Bedonkohe were a band of the Chiricahua Apache. Perhaps the most famous leader associated with this band was Geronimo, whose resistance to U.S. government policies made him a symbol of Apache resilience. The Bedonkohe’s prominence in the Apache Wars has ensured their place in history.
Bissarhar: This division of the Apache was under the leadership of chiefs Goodegoya and Santos between 1873 and 1875. The name "Bissarhar" translates to "Indians with many bridles," possibly indicating their skill in horsemanship or the importance of horses in their lifestyle.
Calchufines: A band of Jicarilla Apache, the Calchufines lived on the Arkansas River in southeastern Colorado in 1719. Their location demonstrates the expansive range of the Jicarilla Apache and their adaptation to diverse environments.
Carrizo: This small band of Apache was likely associated with the clan Klokadakaydn, also known as the "Arrow-reed people." The name "Carrizo" is also used to refer to a location in Navajo territory and to the Indians living around the Carrizo Mountains in northeastern Arizona. This illustrates the shared geographic references and potential overlaps between Apache and Navajo groups. It is important to note that in the latter case, the name may not have ethnic significance.
Chafalote: Described as an Apache tribe or band of Sonora, Mexico, the Chafalote are mentioned alongside the Gileños and Faraones by historical geographers. However, little else is known about them, highlighting the gaps in our knowledge of Apache history and the need for further research.
Chiltneyadnaye: Meaning "walnut," this Apache clan or band was located at the San Carlos Agency and Fort Apache, Arizona, in 1881. They were coordinate with the Chisnedinadinaye of the Final Coyoteros, showing organizational connections between bands.
Chisnedinadinaye: Also meaning "walnut," this clan or band belonged to the Pinal Coyoteros. They were coordinate with the Chiltneyadnaye clan of the White Mountain Apache, further emphasizing the inter-band relationships.
Colina: Described as a "wild tribe" of New Mexico in the 18th century, the Colina have not been definitively identified, but they are believed to have been an Apache band. This highlights the challenges of identifying specific Apache groups from historical records, which often rely on external observations and may not accurately reflect internal classifications.
Conejeros: The Spanish term "rabbit men" refers to an unidentified Apache band. A historical account mentions that in 1596, the Apaches called Conejeros destroyed a group of people described as red and white who had come from Florida. The Spaniards were unable to determine the nation of these newcomers or find traces of their journey. This illustrates the complex interactions between different Native American groups and early European explorers.
Destchin: Meaning "red paint," the Destchin were an Apache band or clan located at the San Carlos Agency and Fort Apache, Arizona, in 1881. They were coordinate with the Chief of the Chiricahua and the Theshchini of the Navajo. This reinforces the pattern of coordination and shared cultural elements between different Apache groups and with neighboring tribes.
Doestoe: This subdivision of the Apache, under chiefs Chiquito and Disalin in 1875, were said to "live where there are large falls of water." This indicates a connection to a specific type of geographical environment and the resources it provided.
Gadinchin: Meaning "rush, reed grass," the Gadinchin were a clan of the Pinal Coyotero living at the San Carlos Agency, Arizona, in 1881. Their name suggests a connection to areas with abundant reeds and rushes, which would have been important for various purposes, such as basketry and construction.
Gontiel: Meaning "broad river," the Gontiel were an Apache clan at San Carlos Agency and Fort Apache, Arizona, in 1881. The name indicates a former habitat on the Gila River, suggesting a migration or shift in territory over time.
Goolkizzen: Meaning "spotted country," the Goolkizzen were a band of Apache, probably Coyoteros, formerly under chief Nakaidoklini. Their name likely refers to a specific type of landscape or terrain characteristic of their territory.
Guhlkainde: Also spelled Gúhlka-índe, and meaning "plains people," this division of the Mescalero Apache claimed the Staked Plains region east of the Pecos River in New Mexico and Texas as their original habitat. This illustrates the connection between specific Apache groups and particular geographic regions, shaping their cultural identity and way of life. The Apache Bands & Clans adaptation to the plains was crucial to their survival.
Indelchidnti: Meaning "pine," this Apache clan or band was located at the San Carlos Agency and Fort Apache, Arizona, in 1881. They were identical to the group called Indilche-dentiene, meaning "live in country with large pine trees," formerly under chief Narchubeulecolte. This further reinforces the close relationship between Apache groups and the specific environments they inhabited.
Inoschuochn: Meaning "bear berry," this Apache clan or band was located at the San Carlos Agency and Fort Apache, Arizona, in 1881.
Iyaaye: Also spelled I-ya-ye, and meaning "sunflower," this Apache clan or band was located at the San Carlos Agency and Fort Apache in 1881.
In conclusion, the Apache Bands & Clans structure reflects the adaptability and resilience of the Apache people. While historical records provide valuable insights into these divisions, further research is needed to fully understand the complexities of Apache social organization and cultural identity. These names, locations, and associations offer glimpses into the rich and diverse history of the Apache people, highlighting their connection to the land, their interactions with other groups, and their enduring legacy.