Women Of The Apache Nation: Voices Of Truth

by H. Henrietta Stockel

This study is based on interviews with Chiriccahua Apache women who emphasize the importance of ritual storytelling in preserving their culture. Ceremonies such as the puberty ritual - still practised today - are described, and stories are told of women warrior ancestors. Although many books chronicle the Apache tribes, this study concentrates on the women.

Genres: Nonfiction, Native American

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1991

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't say this is a great book, especially after reading Indeh and In the Days of Victorio, both by Eve Ball. This was definitely written from the point of view of an outsider, although the author did get a few interviews with some modern-day (1989) Apache women from Oklahoma and the Mescalero reservation in New Mexico. Throughout most of the book it seemed that she just didn't have enough material, and although she wrote about some Apache women from the past and present, they weren't vivid portraits, but rather primarily recitals of facts. The last part of the book saves it, as the author comes in from her removed viewpoint and joins in and really feels a part of the "ancient, sacred ceremony." This is a vivid and human and touching moment.

[Caprice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well documented and sited from what little is written about the Apache.

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

good information here, but maybe not the most engaging text?

stockel scans the various bands that make up the apache nation: northern tonto, southern tonto, white mountain, chokonen (chiracahua), mescalero, san carlos - and illustrates various roles of women going back to the 1500's and leading the reader to the contemporary moment. it traces formations of the tribes and their migration to the southwest from mexico. as most of the societies were matralinear, women assumed domestic as well as political and warrior roles.

some of the info is drafted from the myths. sources of human creation are shared, featuring female deities like changing woman are part of how the apaches situate ourselves in the world, our reason for being. stockel has written several books on the chokonen, and has stated her aim: "By writing the truth, I hope to dispel many or all of the myths generated in America about this stalwart group of Native Americans. Most importantly, I hope my works will contribute to revising American history to improve its veracity."

[Lisa]

Women of the Apache Nation: Voices of Truth by H. Henrietta Stockel (1993)

[Arletta Dawdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for historical fiction research.