Apache
III.
Customs and Religion
In traditional Apache culture, women gathered food,
wood, and water, while men went out to hunt and raid.
Most family units lived in wickiups-dome-shaped brush
huts erected by the women-or in buffalo-hide tepees.
Western
Apache tribes were matrilineal; others apparently
traced their descent through both parents.
Polygamy
was practiced when economic circumstances permitted; marriage
could be terminated easily by either party.
Religion
was a fundamental part of Apache life. Among the best-known
supernatural beings were the ga'ns, protective mountain
spirits represented in religious rites such as the
girls' puberty ceremony, still performed by Western
Apaches.
In
1990 individuals claiming to be of Apache descent
numbered 50,051, with many living on reservations
in Arizona and New Mexico.
Farming,
cattle herding, and tourist-related businesses are
important economically; nevertheless, unemployment
is high.
Present-day
culture is a mixture of traditional Apache beliefs,
such as witchcraft, and contemporary United States
elements.
"Apache
(people)," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia
2000 http://encarta.msn.com
© 1997-2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
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