"Apache Women Warriors" challenges the popular literature and film stereotype of the passive Indian woman. Apache women were able to assume a variety of roles which gave them more prestige and freedom than most of their eighteenth and nineteenth century female counterparts. They were the main providers for their families, could attain and use supernatural power, and participated in raids and wars.
A major portion of the study centers on Lozen, a warrior, said to have been the unmarried sister of the famous Warm Spring Apache chief Victorio. She allegedly possessed amazing supernatural powers and was an excellent equestrian and fighter. Only in the last fifteen years has Lozen emerged as a figure of interest in native American history.
Women warriors were a relatively small, but by no means miniscule, faction among native Americans. Their accomplishments call for a revision of the erroneous popular belief that characterizes native American women as passive characters in American history.
"The subject of women warriors is an esoteric one that has long cried out for the sort of skillful research and deft narrative touch she [Buchanan] brings to the topic." (Southwestern Historical Quarterly)
Southwestern Studies No.
79
ISBN 0-87404-154-6
6x9, 60 pg., paper, $15.00 Photos, maps, biblio.
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