Geronimo
The Apache were amazing warriors!
Back in the later part of the 1880’s they were the last of the Indian people in the entire nation still fighting the United States Army!
Each Apache warrior was said to be a self contained unit in and of themselves. They were not only self sufficient, but incredibly resourceful and efficient in how they went about waging war!
The typical warrior, were the equivalent to our best trained Special Forces today, traveled light and fast. In some cases running, running and running some more – as much as 80 miles a day!
Source: See video clip: Geronimo – We shall remain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQTYtsEOh_I
He carried a war club, spear, stone knife, bow and arrow, perhaps a captured Winchester rifle. As well a bag of pollen and herbs, in case of illness or disease. The pollen symbolized life and renewal in the Apache culture and religious worldview. Usually tullen, oak, sunflower, corn or pinion…
Each man brought a three day ration with them, comprising agave plant (mescal) which they would bake or roast. It was also something dried out at times for preservation. They would often eat prickly pear cactus fruit and during water from barrel cactuses. Sometimes they carried dry meat rations in a small rawhide bag slung over their shoulder – a primitive version of a bandolier.
Each Apache warrior carried what might today be comparable to a hydration water bladder made of animal intestines and tied off or knoted on the ends. In some cases horse intestines were stretched and formed into flex tubes used to carry water.
The moccasins, footwear were also unique, which were hand sewn, thigh high, and double souled, which allowed them to move quickly over desert terrain of stickers and sharp rocks.
To help distinguish themselves from their enemies, and strike terror in their hearts, the great war chief Geronimo, would paint white markings on their foreheads, sides of their faces and a band across their noses. It was said his “Power” directed him to do that.
“Power is everywhere. It lives in everything. It might be known through a word or come in the shape of an animal. We all have power but some tap into different rooms. Power speaks to those who listen. The greatest thing a person can have in Apache belief is power!” Apache Medicine Man 1889
In Apache culture “Power” was a mysterious, intangible attribute or force within the universe, that was unique to that particular individual.
In Geronimo’s case it gave him the “Power” to see his enemies approaching, to know when it was time to leave a certain area. It also gave him, its said divine protection from bullets and arrows in battle.
Geronimo was said to have an uncanny ability to duck and dodge bullets even at point blank range. He could run across an open field in a type of zig zag pattern today used by commandos and special forces troops to close in on the enemy. Making it difficult if not impossible to shoot him, even by the most experienced marksman at the time.
It was said he was quick with a knife! Within a distance of 10 feet he could close that distance before a calveryman or soldier could unholster, cock, point aim and fire his service revolver.
These were the Apache – the most feared warrior in the entire western hemisphere.
See related article: The Apache “art of war” https://groundreport.com/the-apache-art-of-war/