Due in part to the fact that they were the last major Native Nation to be conquered by the Americans and in large part to "Hollywood" representations, the main recognized nation from this region is the Apaches. The Apaches themselves were divided into large groupings which were occasionally at odds with each other. Other nations of the region such as the Navajo and the Pueblo are not currently regarded as warlike but in fact were often exhibited military prowess in struggles with their neighbors including the Spanish, Mexicans and Americans.

APACHE

The largest of the Nations but subdivided into several major groups. All spoke dialects of the Athabascan language which is very common in the northwestern part of America. Sometimes regarded as alien late-comers to the region Specific information is located under the group name including: Lipan. Chiricahua, Mescalaro, Jicarilla, Western and Kiowa. The Spanish paid them a bounty for slaves which encouraged raids on the Navajo and Pueblo.

CHIRICAHUA APACHE

Located in SW New Mexico and Eastern Arizona. The most nomadic, except for the Kiowa Apache, of the Apache and the most warlike. Their nomadic nature put them in conflict with all of their neighbors. They fought bitter campaigns with the Spanish, Mexicans and later the Americans. Their name was sometimes used to refer to any hostile Apache in the region. Famous leaders included Mangas Coloradas, Cochise, Victorio and Geronimo. Their defeat in 1886 is regarded as the official end of the American-Indian Wars.

COMANCHE

Details on the Comanche are given in the Indians of Texas/South Plains article

HOPI

Located on the three main mesas in the area of NE Arizona and considered Pueblo in culture. Spoke a Uto-Aztecan dialect (some say Shoshonee). Their main enemy was the Navajo and Utes. After the 1680 revolt, they were at odds with the Spanish for decades.

JICARILLA APACHE

Located mainly in northern New Mexico. Fought the Spanish and Mexicans from 1500s to the 1840s. Fought the Americans from 1847 until 1855. Enemies with the Comanches during the 1700s and 1800s.

KARANKAWA

The common language identifier for a group of Mexican border tribes in the Southern Texas coastal area. Constantly harassed by Apaches and Comanches and later by the Mexicans and Americans.

KERAS

The common language identifier for a group of Pueblo tribes on the Rio Grande valley of New Mexico but later migrated to the south. Some of the tribes included the Cochiti, Zia and Acoma. They took part in the Pueblo War of 1680 against the Spanish.

KIOWA APACHE

Located in the Oklahoma and Texas panhandle regions. Aka as Plains Apaches due to their nomadic horse culture and close relationship with the Comanches.

LIPAN APACHE

Located in Southern Texas around the Upper Red River then later the Pecos River and the San Antonio area. Originally the dominant of the Apache groups during the 1500-1600s. Fought and dominated the Caddo tribes of eastern Texas until the Caddo were given firearms by the French. Often attacked Spanish expeditions out of Mexico. The enemy which diminished their power was the Comanche.

MARICOPA

Located along the Salt River. Spoke a Yuman dialect.

MESCALARO APACHE

Located in Western Texas and SE New Mexico. Despite various conflicts with Spanish and Mexican governments, they did maintain some peace with them until the treaties were nullified by the USA in 1847. The nullification resulted in several serious skirmishes with American settlers and troops until defeated with Navajo allies in 1863. A large warparty joined with Victorio's band for most of his raiding ventures.

MOJAVE

Located in the Mojave desert where the states of Nevada-California and Arizona meet. Spoke a Yuman dialect. Isolated from most neighbors but fought American settlers and the US military in the mid-1800s.

NAVAJO

Located in NW New Mexico and NE Arizona. Spoke dialects of the Athabascan language and were considered part of the Apache nation by their neighbors. Adopted a more sedentary culture than their Apache relatives. Often at war with their Pueblo neighbors. Early Navajo armies could muster between 30,000 and 200,000 warriors. They also waged several campaigns against the Spanish and later Mexican armies. After 1847 several conflicts with the USA occurred until an American scorched earth policy forced their capitulation. A description of a warrior is armed with lance and bow, wearing buckskin pants, solid colored shirts and carrying black shields with stripes (blue-white, gray-white, blue-dark red-white).

OJO CALIENTE APACHE

This branch of the Eastern Chiricahua Apaches is an example of how confusing research about nomadic tribes can be. They are well known as the tribe led by Nana and Victorio. They were known at the time by several names based on their current location. Some of these include Warm Springs Apache, Gila, Gilenos, Mimbres, Mimbrenos, and the Coppermine Apaches. They frequently attacked Mexicans, Americans, Navajo, Pueblo and other Apache tribes. Geronimo's Chiricahua tribe contributed numerous scouts to the US Army in order to hunt Victorio's band. The main group with Victorio were killed in Mexico in 1880.

PAPAGO

Located in SW Arizona mainly in the desert areas. Spoke a Uto-Aztecan dialect. Considered one of the most pro-Spanish of the Native tribes. Often attacked by Apache.

PIMA

Located along the Gila River in . Spoke a Uto-Aztecan dialect. Often attacked by Apache.

PUEBLO

Located in Central New Mexico. Mainly a sedentary nation whose people were concentrated in permanent well constructed towns. Included the linguistic groups of Tanoan, Keresan, Zuni and Hopi.

TANOAN

The common language identifier for a group of Pueblo tribes in the Pecos River area of New Mexico. Some of the tribes included the Tiwas, Taos, Sandia, Jemez, Hano, Nambe and Tigua. Many of the pueblos were destroyed in 1680 with tribes migrating to other villages. The Taos pueblo revolted against the USA in 1847 and was destroyed. The Pecos Pueblo was constantly raided by Comanche and Apaches in the 1700s and early 1800s until abandoned.

TONKAWA

The common language identifier for a group of tribes in the central Texas area. Maintained a large pre-historic empire until devastated by invaders including Apaches, Comanches and later Americans. After migrating to Indian Territory in 1859, they were victims of a massacre by Delaware and Shawnee warriors in 1862.

WESTERN APACHE

Located in SE Arizona between the San Pedro and Verde Rivers. Isolated but did have conflicts with neighbors. Serious conflicts with the Spanish after 1765 but they tended to be successful in preventing Spanish settlements in their land. After 1847, several conflicts occurred with American settlers and troops which ended 1872 with reservation life.

YAVAPAIS

Located north-central Arizona. Spoke a Yuman dialect. Fought several skirmishes with Americans, mainly miners and prospectors, during the 1860-70s.

YUMA

Located mainly at the junction of the Colorado and Gila Rivers. Spoke the Yuman language. Fought in brief conflicts with the Spanish, Mexicans and Americans, as well as , various raiding neighbors.

ZUNI

Located in West-central New Mexico. Spoke a distinct dialect and considered part of the Pueblo culture group. Attacked by Coronado in 1540 but was most often at war with the Navajo and Apache neighbors. Used clubs , knives and shields of yucca fiber/cotton cord.

Our Place in the Sun: The American Southwest

Historical Background
The Nations of the Southwest
Shield Designs and Weapons of Southwest Indian Nations