s of food, tiswin (a mild fermented alcoholic beverage), singing, dancing and distribution of the booty taken on the raid (Griffen 13). Training was an essential endeavor for the young Apache because raiding and war were normal ways of life and a means of survival. Ideally, boys trained rigorously and practiced running long distances, mounting horses, shooting with the bow, parrying with the lance, jumping into cold water and similar activities to toughen themselves and perfect fighting skills. The young man was taken under the wing of an older, more experienced warrior where he was basically a servant. For his services, he was given knowledge about the animals and their tendencies, as well as skills in hunting for food. He learned to be truthful, to listen respectfully, to remain silent until spoken to, to avoid activities that would jeopardize the safety of the group, and to endure hardships without complaint (Griffen 13). Women on the other hand, were given training with regards to domestic affairs. Cooking, gathering, treating hides, and other essential daily requirements were taught at a fairly young age, usually by the grandparents. Since roles of both male and females were held with high regards to each other, a mutual respect between them was present. Americans appeared in the southwest in the closing years of the Spanish Empire. They were unofficial representatives of United States interests, usually trappers seeking the abundant amount of beaver in the waters of the area. The Chiricahua were not hostile to Americans initially, unless they were mistaken for Spaniards or Mexicans. Events occurring in Mexican provinces such as Chihuahua and Hermosillo led to the eventual gaining of enemy status by the trappers. Scalps of Chiricahua were offered as bounty by the Mexicans at one hundred dollars a warrior, fifty for a woman, and twenty-five for a childs scalp. One party led by a man named John Johnson was encouraged by the Mexican c...
