Lozen - Woman warrior of the Chiricahua Apache

The life of Lozen of the Chiricahua Apache

This is a breif overview of the life of an intriguing, courageous and extrordinary Native American woman. There is not much written about her and few photos but her life is one that must be remembered and told.

Who was Lozen?

Lozen was born into the Chihenne band of the Chiricahua Apache in the early 1800's. She was a warrior who rode and fought alongside Geronimo and her older brother Cheif Victorio in the Apache wars in the late 1800's. Very little is written of this talented and brave woman. It's speculated that her importance in battle was downplayed by her people for her own protection. It is said she could detect the movements of the enemy by raising her hands in the air which made her extremely valueable in battles. She was also a gifted midwife and healer. This photo is one of the few taken at the time of her surrender as she and her comrades were waiting to board the train to captivity in Florida.

New Wikipedia entry for Lozen

Lozen (c. 1840-1890) was the sister of the Chihenne-Chiricahua Apache chief, Victorio (akas: Bidu-ya; Beduiat).

Born into the Chihenne band during the late 1840's, Lozen was a skilled warrior and a prophet. According to legends, she was able to use her powers (Diya) and (Inda-ce-ho-ndi = "Enemies-Against-Power") in battle to learn the movements of the enemy.

Victorio is quoted to have said that "Lozen is my right hand... strong as a man, braver than most, and cunning in strategy. Lozen is a shield to her people."

read the rest of the Wikipedia article

What was her life like?

It is said that as a child Lozen learned to ride at the age of 7 and was a gifted horsewoman. It was common for some women to accompany their husbands on hunting parties or raids but she chose the role of a warrior and actually participated in battle. She never married. Towards the end of the Apache wars she surrendered with Geronimo and the other Chiricahua and was sent to be encarcerated in Florida. Later, they were all sent to Mount Vernon in Mobile, Alabama. She died en route to Alabama of tuberculosis and was buried in an umarked grave.

Great historical accounts of the life and times of Lozen

Warrior Woman: The Story of Lozen, Apache Warrior and Shaman

by: Peter Aleshire

Amazon Price: (as of 01/09/2009)

Once They Moved Like The Wind : Cochise, Geronimo, And The Apache Wars

by: David Roberts

Amazon Price: $23.70 (as of 01/09/2009)

Apache Voices: Their Stories of Survival as Told to Eve Ball

by: Sherry Robinson

Amazon Price: $16.46 (as of 01/09/2009)

In the Days of Victorio; Recollections of a Warm Springs Apache

by: Eve Ball, James Kaywaykla

Amazon Price: $12.71 (as of 01/09/2009)

Indeh: An Apache Odyssey

by: Eve Ball, Nora Henn, Lynda A. Sanchez

Eve Ball, probably the most accurate account of the life of Lozen.

Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 01/09/2009)

Conclusion

Lozen's older brother Victorio is quoted as saying, "Lozen is my right hand . . . strong as a man, braver than most, and cunning in strategy, Lozen is a shield to her people." Victorio was killed in battle during a skirmish at a time when Lozen was not present and could not help him.

Life was difficult and cruel in those days especially for the Chiricahua whose way of life was dying. I wonder sometimes if it was the trying times she lived
in that stimulated this woman's incredible courage and talents? If she had been born later in current times would she have been the same woman? It is something to ponder...

These cards are made from photos by Chiricahua artisan Nochita

These beautiful drums were created by Native American teenagers!

These beautiful art cards are created from photos taken by our local Chiricahua artisan Nochita. These drums were painted by Native American teens in his Native Culture and Arts class. The drums are gorgeous and these photos show their beauty in natural settings in Cochise County, Southern Arizona. All of these drums were sold to benefit Nochita's Native Culture and Arts classes for teens.

Native American Blank Greeting Cards (Pk of 10)

Interesting links!

Metal of the Moon Silver: Visit my ebay store "Metal of the Moon Silver" for a wonderful collection of Native American silver items and others including Mexican and European Vintage.
Native American Silver Jewelry: Visit my other squidoo lens on the history Native American silver jewelry.
Buying Native American Jewelry Online: Another lens on finding Native American Jewelry on the internet including my Metal of the Moon eCrater.com store
Metal of the Moon Silver on eCrater.com: Metal of the Moon Silver store on eCrater.com. eCrater is an online marketplace much like eBay.