White Mountain Apache Life and Culture | Navajo County Library District

Whiteriver
Fort Apache
Apache Crafts
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Customs and Traditions

A group of men, including Native American leaders and officials, stand on steps outside a building, dressed in formal suits and holding hats.

Chief Alchesay, Washington DC

This photo was taken after a meeting in Washington DC, for Chief Alchesay to get permission to have cattle on the White Mountain Apache Reservation.

From left to right in front are Chief Alchesay’s son Baha, James M. Keys, Chief Alchesay, Grey Oliver (interpreter), Chief Tzizy, and Superintendent Charles Davis.

photo id: 364

A man stands at the front of a church classroom, raising his hand while children seated in pews raise their hands; an American flag and religious images are visible.

Lutheran Church in Whiteriver

The Church of the Open Bible has a rich history. Nestled in the White Mountains on the land of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, the church still exists in the same building dedicated by Chief Alchesay himself in 1922. He marched through the doors and asked that he and his people be baptized. He told everyone to listen to the “tall missionary” when he speaks from God’s Book.

photo id: 400

A woman in traditional dress stands outdoors on rocky terrain, holding a long stick, with trees and shrubs in the background.

Apache Girl

An Apache girl working on crops on the White Mountain Apache Reservation around 1920.

photo id: 612

A group of people stand outdoors near trees and horses, with two individuals in the foreground pulling a rope. The setting appears rural and dry.

Apache Hoop Game

Apache game with hoop and sticks ca. 1920

photo id: 613

A man in a vest and hat holding a revolver stands between two children in front of a wooden building.

Apache Tribal Law Officer

Apache tribal Law Officer ca. 1920

photo id: 614

A man with long hair wearing traditional clothing sits on a saddled horse outdoors with trees in the background.

Apache Chief

Apache Chief ca. 1920

photo id: 615

Two children sit on a wooden fence outdoors, with brush and hills visible in the background. One child wears a wide-brimmed hat. The image is in black and white.

Apache Boys

Apache boys ca. 1920

photo id: 616

A black and white photo of a two-story wooden building with a porch, fenced yard, and several people standing on the porch.

House of Corydon Cooley

House of Corydon Cooley (nearest man on the porch). Located a few miles south of present day Hon-Dah, the Cooley Ranch was noted for hospitality to all comers. It acted as an important stopping point for soldiers and travelers on their way to Fort Apache.

photo id: 618

A group of Native American people gather outside a wooden building on open land, some sitting or standing in blankets, with more people dispersed in the background.

Ration Day

Ration Day – ca. 1920. Native Americans were given rations of basic necessities like corn and beans. The government purchased the rations from local farmers including the Indians themselves.

photo id: 619

Black and white photo of an older woman with long hair, seated in a wooden chair, wearing a buttoned dress with her arms crossed.

Molly

Molly, the Apache wife of Corydon Cooley in 1917. She died in 1920.

photo id: 621

Black and white historical photo of a group of men and two children, some wearing hats and traditional clothing, posing for a portrait.

Apache Scouts

Apache Scouts. In the upper left corner is Corydon Cooley.

photo id: 622

Sepia-toned portrait of a Native American man with straight, chin-length hair, wearing a light-colored shirt and looking slightly to the side.

Apache Chief Pedro

Cibecue Apache Chief Pedro was born ca. 1835 and lived until around 1895. He was chief of the Carrizo band until being driven off the Carrizo Creek by Miguel during a clan dispute. Two years later he and his band were allowed by Eastern White Mountain Apache Chief Esh-kel-dah-sila to settle near Fort Apache.

Chief Pedro was the father of Molly and Cora (wives of Corydon Cooley), and respected tribal leaders Alchesay and Baha Alchesay.

photo id: 623

A group of people, including children and adults, sit and stand under and around a large tree in an outdoor setting.

July 4, 1918

Apaches celebrating July 4th in McNary – ca. 1918

photo id: 624

Four Native American women in traditional dress stand outdoors; one woman holds a child. Trees and people on horseback are visible in the background.

Party Clothes

Apache women in “party clothes” ca. 1918

photo id: 625

Three simple, makeshift tents made from cloth and branches are set up in a grassy outdoor area with trees in the background.

Apache Summer Dwellings

Early Apache summer dwellings were comfortable and practical. Airy and cool on hot days but with sufficient protection from summer rains. ca. 1918

photo id: 626

A group of Native American women and children pose outdoors beside a makeshift shelter made of branches and cloth.

Summer Camp

Apache family enjoying summer camp. ca. 1918

photo id: 627

A group of children stand outdoors near a person carrying a large bundle on their back, with a mountain visible in the background.

Apache Cradleboard

Apache women ca. 1900. Like so many things in Apache life, the cradleboards were a practical solution to a busy life. It allowed mothers to keep their hands free for the endless tasks of cooking, gathering fuel and food, and taking care of their close families.

photo id: 628

Black-and-white photo of people loading or unloading supplies from covered wagons, with a person on horseback in the foreground and hills in the background.

Selling Corn

Apache farmers selling corn to the government for two cents per pound at the turn of the century. Sales provided important cash income and the corn was distributed to soldiers and other Native Americans.

photo id: 629

An Indigenous woman stands holding the rein of a horse, while a child wrapped in a blanket sits on the horse’s back in an outdoor rural setting.

Shopping Trip

Apache mother and child returning home from a “shopping trip” ca. 1900

photo id: 630

Black and white photo of a group of people gathered outside a small, wood-framed building with a porch, surrounded by open land and trees.

Reservation School

Reservation school for Indian children ca. 1900. Many Native American children were taken from their families and sent to distant boarding schools where they were forbidden to speak their native language or practice their culture.

photo id: 631

A horse-drawn wagon loaded with goods stands on a dirt area with several people nearby; hills are visible in the background.

Selling Corn

Apache farmers arriving with a load of corn to sell to the government. The price was two cents per pound (ca. 1900). The corn was an important food for the ever-hungry soldiers, Native Americans, and livestock.

photo id: 633

A uniformed officer sits at a desk with a ledger, while two men in hats stand at a window outside, looking in.

Payday!

Payday! Apaches earned valuable cash income from assisting the Army with scouting and horse wrangling. Rare photo ca. 1900

photo id: 634

A woman and a child sit together on a horse in a grassy, open landscape with hills in the background.

Apache Mother and Child

Apache mother and child. ca. 1900

photo id: 636

Black and white photo of a wooden church with pointed steeple, arched windows, and snow patches on the ground in front.

Lutheran Church

Lutheran church at Whiteriver ca. 1900

photo id: 637

A group of Indigenous women and children sit on the ground outside a brush shelter, grinding food with stones in a natural, outdoor setting.

Summer Camp

Apache family in summer camp ca. 1900.

photo id: 638

A group of Indigenous people gather outdoors; a man stands elevated speaking, while a woman with a cradleboard stands in the foreground.

Receiving Rations

Apaches ready to receive rations. ca. 1918

photo id: 639

Two women in traditional clothing stand outdoors, wearing long skirts, blouses, necklaces, and long hair, with trees and foliage in the background.

Ready to Celebrate

Apache girls dressed to go to a celebration. Ca. 1918

photo id: 640

A person stands in a cornfield carrying harvested corn in a basket on their back. The ground is covered with corn stalks and the field extends into the distance.

Girl Gathering Corn

Apache girl gathering the corn harvest around 1918. With no access to machinery, agriculture was back-breaking work for everybody in the family.

photo id: 641

Two Indigenous women stand side by side outdoors, wearing patterned dresses, necklaces, and traditional jewelry, facing the camera in a black and white photograph.

Apache Girls

Apache girls in finery ca. 1918

photo id: 642

An older man in a hat and jacket stands outdoors beside a wooden structure, holding a thin object, with a spiky plant in the foreground.

Apache Man

Apache man ca. 1920

photo id: 643

A group of Indigenous people, some sitting and some standing, gathered outdoors under large trees, dressed in traditional and Western clothing.

Apaches

Apaches. Photo was taken around 1920.

photo id: 644

A group of people in traditional clothing gather outdoors near wooden buildings, with hills visible in the background on a sunny day.

Fairgrounds

The annual fair in the 1930s. Photographed by Wayne T. Pratt.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 886

Rodeo

The annual rodeo in the 1930s. This photograph was taken by Wayne T. Pratt.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 887

A straight, unpaved road stretches into the distance, flanked by low guardrails and surrounded by hilly, sparsely vegetated terrain under a cloudy sky.

Highway 60

Photo taken by Wayne T. Pratt in the 1930s.

Courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe.

photo id: 892

Sepia-toned photo of an old general store with shelves stocked with cans and goods, saddles hanging from the ceiling, and a scale on the counter.

Trading Post

The interior of the trading post.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 894

Black-and-white photo of an old storefront labeled "Indian Trader" with a vintage gas pump in front; swastika symbols are visible on the building sign.

Trading Post

A trading post in Whiteriver. Taken by Wayne T. Pratt in the 1930s.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 895

A black-and-white photo shows a small town or settlement with scattered buildings surrounded by open fields and distant hills.

Whiteriver Aerial View

An aerial photograph of Whiteriver in the 1930s, taken by Wayne T. Pratt.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 896

Black-and-white photo of a log cabin with two bare trees in front, labeled as General George Crook’s cabin in Fort Apache, circa early 1900s.

General Crook’s Cabin

Pictured here is General George Crook’s cabin in the early 1900s.

On May 16, 1870 an army post was established near the present town of Whiteriver in order to assist the White Mountain Apache Tribe to peacefully protect their lands. That same month the post and surrounding area was designated as a reservation for the Apache tribe.

Fort Apache is perhaps most widely recognized in association with the famous renegade leaders from various Apache bands, such as Geronimo and Cochise, who were pursued by the soldiers from Fort Apache and the White Mountain Apache Scouts, including Chief Alchise and Diablo. These men were instrumental in bringing a lasting peace to the Southwest.

photo id: 361

Three men stand in a desert landscape beside a saddled mule; two wear wide-brimmed hats and one holds a rifle. Dry plants are visible in the background.

Captain George Crook

Captain George Crook stands with Native American (Chiricahua) Dutchy (Ba-keetz-ogie, the Yellow Coyote) and Al-chi-say, chief of White Mountain Apaches, both with rifles; they are next to a saddled mule with Crook’s double barrel rifle.

Western History/Genealogy Department, Denver Public Library

photo id: 1095

A man identified as Chief Alchesay stands outside a traditional dwelling made of branches and covered with brush and cloth, circa 1920s.

Apache Wickiup

Pictured here is Chief Alchesay standing outside a wickiup, the traditional housing for the Apache Indians that allowed them to live their semi-nomadic lifestyle.

These structures were primarily used for sleeping because all other activities, such as cooking, were done outside. This wickiup is one from Fort Apache, located on the White Mountain Apache Reservation in Northeastern Arizona.

photo id: 420

Sepia-toned photo of seven men, some seated, some standing, in 19th-century attire and hats, including one Indigenous man and six non-Indigenous men. Text at bottom identifies location and year.

Cooley and Soldiers at Fort Apache

Corydon Cooley is pictured to the far right with officers and scouts from Fort Apache circa 1872. Unfortunately no other names or information about the picture are available. You can see the Apache scouts have their cards spanned as if ready to play.

For forty years the Cooley’s provided welcomed hospitality for both military and civilian travelers on the road from Holbrook to Fort Apache.

We are indebted to the Cooley’s for bridging over many of the misunderstandings between the white people and the Apaches. They also paved the way for many Mormons to settle on the mountain and live peacefully with the Native Americans.

photo id: 180

Black-and-white photo of a group of men, including soldiers, officers, and scouts from Fort Apache, posed together, circa 1872.

Cooley Fort Apache

This picture was likely taken prior to the wedding of Chief Pedro’s daughters dated 1872.

Corydon Cooley married one of Pedro’s daughters and bestowed upon her the American name of Mollie.

As was a frequent practice amongst the Apache, Mollie’s sister joined their new household. Some time later Corydon also married this sister. The custom of more than one wife was acceptable with the natives. This new wife was given the name Cora.

photo id: 181

Black-and-white photo of a horse-drawn carriage with two men seated at the front, a child standing beside, and trees and a house in the background.

Army Ambulance

The U.S. Army Ambulance, pulled by a six mule team, was the fastest means of travel between Fort Apache and Holbrook.

photo id: 318

A group of soldiers is seated in front of a stone building with a porch, while one individual stands facing them on a grassy area.

Soldiers at Fort Apache

Soldiers at Fort Apache assemble for guard mount, circa 1900.

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Barracks

Row of barracks at Fort Apache, circa 1900. Initially soldiers lived in tents when Fort Apache was established in 1870. They began constructing permanent buildings the following year.

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A person in uniform sits on a horse in an open field with trees and buildings in the background, and hills in the distance.

Parade Grounds

A soldier on a horse at the 10-acre Fort Apache parade grounds.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 875

A group of soldiers on horseback rides in formation across an open field with hills and trees in the background.

Cavalry

Cavalry troops on the Fort Apache parade ground.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 876

Black and white photo of a person on horseback near a wooden fence, with tents and a group of people or horses in the background on open land.

Cavalry Practice

The 10th Cavalry, a segregated African American unit, practices a mounted pistol drill at Fort Apache.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 891

A black and white photo shows a horse tied to a post in front of a house with leafless trees and a white picket fence in the background.

Captain’s Quarters

A thoroughbred horse stands in front of the Captain’s Quarters on Fort Apache.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 877

A group of people on horseback lead several pack animals across a dry, open landscape with hills in the background.

Pack Trail

A pack string headed south from Fort Apache.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 879

A man in a hat and uniform walks across a yard holding a rope, followed by a young donkey. Trees and buildings are visible in the background.

Baby Burro

A soldier with a baby burro at Fort Apache.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 880

Monkey Drill

Troop F in Monkey Drill. Troopers from the 10th Cavalry (Buffalo Soldiers) at Fort Apache performed Roman Riding drills throughout the region.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 883

Historic stone building with a covered porch and cupola, surrounded by a white picket fence and bare trees, labeled "FT. APACHE ARIZONA.

CO Quarters

Fort Apache Commanding Officer’s Quarters. Constructed in 1892, this 4,000 square foot house was the fourth and final built for the post’s CO. It was later used as the principal’s quarters for the Theodore Roosevelt School from 1923 until the 1980s.
Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 884

Workers harvest and stack hay in a rural field with mountains in the distance; several people and animals are involved in the activity.

Selling Hay

Apache families bringing hay to sell to the Army at Fort Apache, circa 1918.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 885

A person in boots and a hat sits on wooden steps outside, holding a small animal on a leash. A hat and rope lie on the ground nearby.

Coyote

A trooper with a “pet” coyote a Fort Apache.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 872

Two men in outdoor clothing sit on the ground with caught fish and supplies laid out on a blanket in front of them, in a forested area.

Fishing

Troopers with Apache Trout after a successful fishing trip.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 873

Black and white photo of two buildings at Fort Apache, Arizona, with barren trees and two people standing in front.

Adjutant’s Office

Fort Apache adjutant’s office, circa 1918. Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 882

Six girls sit on a grassy field eating lunch, with leafless trees and several buildings in the background. The scene appears to be in a rural setting.

Dolls

Young girls with dolls and beads at the Theodore Roosevelt School at Fort Apache. This was taken in the 1920s by Bessie Kniffen Young.

The Army abandoned Fort Apache in 1922, and in 1923 the site became the home of the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Theodore Roosevelt Indian Boarding School. Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 866

Three young girls sit in front of a large sign that reads "SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT 10 MILES," with a rural background visible behind them.

School Sign

Three girls with the Theodore Roosevelt School sign in Fort Apache. This was taken in the 1920s by Bessie Kniffen Young.

The children pictured are Diné, having been brought to the “off-reservation” Theodore Roosevelt School from their homes on the Navajo Nation. Prior to the 1930s, the children at Theodore Roosevelt were predominantly, if not exclusively, Diné. Apache children began to attend Theodore Roosevelt in the 1930s.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe.

photo id: 864

Cabin

The original caption below this photo taken at the Theodore Roosevelt School reads:

“This shows the teachers of Home Economics in the background and a couple little children came along and wanted to be in the picture and also shows all of the log cabin where the teacher on the right Ms. Kastenhuber lived.”

A group of soldiers in uniform march in formation outdoors, led by an officer; trees and open land are visible in the background.

Uniformed Boys

Boys in uniform at the Theodore Roosevelt School in the 1920s. Fort Apache military culture lingered even after soldiers left; student drill teams marched on the parade ground after suppers.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 867

A large group of children stand in rows outside a building, all wearing similar long garments, posing for a photo in front of a porch.

Line by Dorms

Girls lined up in front of their dormitory at the Theodore Roosevelt School at Fort Apache.

The school was originally intended to serve Diné (Navajo) children, by the 1930s a majority of students at the school were Apache.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 868

Four girls stand side by side outdoors, wearing similar dresses and jackets, with buildings and bare trees in the background.

Cabin Road

Four girls standing on the road in front of the cabins at Theodore Roosevelt School in the 1920s. Initial enrollment when the school opened in 1923 was 250 Navajo and Hopi students. The students were in five grades and taught by five teachers.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 869

Headquarters

Anglo men and women on the porch at the Theodore Roosevelt School headquarters building. This photo was taken in the 1920s by Bessie Kniffen, a young teacher with a Christian missionary inclination.

Today Theodore Roosevelt School serves as a middle school under the administration of a school board selected by the Tribal Council.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 870

Black and white photo of large, columned building and two smaller structures on a barren field with trees and mountains in the background.

Boys’ Dormitory

The boys’ dormitory at Theodore Roosevelt Boarding School at Fort Apache was built in 1932. It is 23,000 square feet with two stories and a full basement. This photograph was taken by Wayne T. Pratt.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 888

Four boys stand outside near a stone building, holding rakes and working on a dirt area. Trees and a house are visible in the background.

Chores

Young boys doing chores at the Theodore Roosevelt School. The school was mostly self-supportingl. Students were expected to help maintain the school by helping staff with day-to-day operations. This photograph was taken by Wayne T. Pratt.

A group of children and a few adults gather outside near a wooden fence and window frames, with hills visible in the background.

Outdoor Lecture

Instruction given by school farmer at the Theodore Roosevelt School in the 1930s.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 893

A person lies on their back while another person, wearing a glove, examines or treats their eye.

Trachoma

Wayne T. Pratt, the photographer, reports that Theodore Roosevelt School was to be closed as a boarding school following the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, but instead was converted to a trachoma treatment school. That role was to be completed in the 1938-39 school year, after which Theodore Roosevelt transitioned back to a vocational school for Apache students.

During the period from 1934-1939 Theodore Roosevelt School was one of the few places where Indian children suffering from severe Trachoma could continue to go to school. Pupils were given treatment every morning six days a week. Treatment meant anesthetizing the eyelid with cocaine and then scraping the inflamed granulations off the eyelids and lining of the eye. Treatment was often prolonged, with multiple scrapings being performed.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 890

A single-story brick house with a covered porch sits behind a street, surrounded by a few trees and a lamppost, with hills in the background.

Captain’s Quarters

A recent photograph of the Captain’s Quarters at Fort Apache. There are two identical Captain’s Quarters buildings, made of sandstone. They were built in 1892 and are 3,630 square feet. Fort Apache is now a National Historic Landmark.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 957

Two-story stone house with a pitched roof, brick chimney, and covered porch, surrounded by leafless trees and a patchy lawn.

Commanding Officer’s Quarters

A recent photograph of the Commanding Officer’s quarters, which was built in 1892. It was also the Theodore Roosevelt School principle’s home from 1923 until the 1980s.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

A weathered brick building with a metal roof sits beside a rural road, flanked by two pedestrian crossing signs and sparse vegetation.

Guardhouse

A recent photograph of one of the Fort Apache guardhouses.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 959

A two-story red brick building with white-trimmed windows, barred on the lower level, stands behind a patchy lawn and path with a few leafless trees.

Girls Dormitory

A recent photograph of the Girl’s Dormitory at the Theodore Roosevelt School. It was built in 1931 to replace the old dormitory which burned down the previous year. It was used as the girl’s dormitory until 1990, and has been a co-ed dorm since 1999.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 960

A large, weathered barn with two tall silos stands next to a dirt road in a rural landscape at dusk.

Stable

A recent picture of the stables, which were built in 1904 to replace the one that burned down the previous year. It was later used as a dairy barn, and is now used for storage.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 961

A long, single-story building with "FORT APACHE" painted on the roof, situated on a dirt road with utility poles and sparse grass in the foreground.

Quartermaster’s Store

A recent photo of the Quartermaster’s Storehouse, completed in 1889. It’s been used for Army and Bureau of Indian Affairs equipment and supply storage and distribution ever since.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 962

A long, weathered, brown metal building with several doors and small roof vents sits on a dirt lot with sparse vegetation.

Granary

A recent photograph of the Granary, which was built in 1904. The Army used it for feed storage until 1922, and it has been used for equipment and supply storage ever since.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 963

A small, square stone building with a metal roof sits near a dirt road, surrounded by trees and brush, with hills in the background.

Magazine

A recent photograph of the 1886 magazine. It was built for ammunition and explosive storage.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 964

A historic one-story building with a hipped roof, white walls, green trim, and a small sign above the entrance, situated in a rural area with trees and gravel surroundings.

Adjutant’s Office

A recent photograph of the Adjutant’s Office, built in 1876. It was used as an administration center until 1920, and then became a post office.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 965

Historic stone house with green wooden porch and informational sign in the foreground.

Log Cabin

A recent photograph if the Fort Apache Log Cabin. Built in 1871, this building was used early on as the Commanding Officer’s Quarters. Later the Theodore Roosevelt School used it for Home Economics. Currently the building is used for museum exhibits.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 966

Officer’s Row

A recent photograph of the row of Officer’s housing at Fort Apache. There are 12 buildings along Officer’s Row, built between 1872 and 1982.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 967

Basket

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 949

Large woven basket with a narrow neck and wide body, featuring intricate zigzag and chevron patterns in shades of brown and tan.

Large Basket

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 950

A round, woven basket with a spiral pattern and darker geometric designs radiating from the center. The basket has a natural brown color with subtle variations.

Flower Design

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 951

A round, woven basket lid with a detailed geometric pattern made from natural and dark fibers, displayed against a light background.

Inside

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 952

A round woven basket with a geometric black and brown pattern is displayed on a stand against a plain background.

Pinwheel Design

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 953

Doll

A doll believed to have been made by Cornelia Skidmore.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 954

Woven basket with a geometric pattern filled with various fruits, resting on a fringed, beaded surface with leather and fabric.

Exhibit Basket

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 955

Handwoven Native American burden basket with a geometric pattern, white leather trim, and fringe, displayed on a patterned fabric background.

Marilyn’s Basket

A basket made by White Mountain Apache weaver Marilyn Hume in 2004 using an old style of decoration with red fabric underlying the buckskin “dressing.”

Photo provided by the Taylor/Shumway Heritage Foundation in Taylor, Arizona.

Photo courtesy of Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, White Mountain Apache Tribe

photo id: 956

A collection of woven baskets and pots of various sizes and patterns arranged in front of a dark background.

Container Collection

Nine containers: baskets, bowls, and jars.

Photograph taken by Edward Curtis, circa 1907.

photo id: 1087

A woman in a patterned dress threads colorful beads onto a loom, focusing intently on her beadwork.

Apache woman, Irene selecting beads for her work

White Mountain Apache woman, known as Irene creating beaded works. 1940

Repository Northern Arizona University Cline Library

Call Number NAU.PH.3.5.6.9

Item number 51273

Photo from http://archive.library.nau.edu

photo id: 1189

A person wearing a patterned shirt sits at a wooden box, weaving colorful beads with a bead loom.

White Mountain Apache woman Irene with beads

Irene with beads, a work in progress and finished beadwork. Whiteriver, Arizona, 1940

Repository Northern Arizona University Cline Library

Call Number NAU.PH.99.3.5.5.13

Item number 51334

Photo from http://archive.library.nau.edu

photo id: 1190

A person sits outdoors, using a loom to weave a colorful patterned textile on top of a wooden box.

Apache woman, Irene, doing beadwork at Whiteriver, Arizona, 1940

White Mountain Apache woman Irene doing beadwork. Note the intricacy of the design.

Repository Northern Arizona University Cline Library

Call Number NAU.PH.99.3.5.6.8

Item number 51272

Photo from http://archive.library.nau.edu

photo id: 1191

An elderly woman in a plaid dress picks fruit from a tree, holding a stick in one hand and a bucket in the other, surrounded by dense foliage.

Elderly woman gathering pitch for baskets

Elderly Apache woman with knife and bucket gathering pitch 1941

Northern Arizona University, Cline Library Colorado Plateau Archives NAU.PH.99.3.5.8.3

photo id: 1104

A woman sits on a blanket outdoors, weaving baskets from natural materials, with completed baskets beside her under a simple wooden shelter.

Flora Erskine, Basket Weaver

Apache basket weaver, Flora Erskine, Whiteriver, AZ 1941

Credit: Northern Arizona University. Cline Library (Tad Nichols Manuscript Collection) NAU.PH. 99.3.5.7.4

photo id: 1091

A woman sits outdoors, weaving a basket from natural materials with plants and tools around her. Other people and objects are visible in the background.

Flora Erskine

Apache basket weaver, 1941. Flora Erskine, weaver

Credit: Northern Arizona University, Cline Library Colorado Plateau Archives NAU.PH.99.3.5.7.5

photo id: 1106

Four Apache men stand in front of a brush shelter holding rifles, dressed in traditional and Western-style clothing; arid landscape in the background.

Apache Braves ready for trail near Camp Apache, Arizona.

Apache men pose outdoors with rifles near a brush shelter in Arizona. They wear boot moccasins and breechcloths., a wickiup is in the background. 1873 stereograph.

Western History/Genealogy Department,
Denver Public Library
Reproduction Number
X-33875

photo id: 1188

Three Indigenous people pose for a black-and-white portrait outdoors; one stands wearing a headpiece and robe, while two sit in patterned clothing, one holding a shallow basket.

White Mountain Apache group

Studio portrait (sitting and standing) of WhiteMountainApachewomen and a man. The women wear dresses and bead necklaces. One woman wears a medal pendant, the other holds a basket. The man wears a blanket and a feather roach. The roach is a sign of a medicine man.

Title: White Mountain Apache group

Keywords: White Mountain Apache, clothing and headdress

Western History/Genealogy Department,

Denver Public Library,

Reproduction number W-32859

photo id: 1194

A person kneels by a river washing their face while a horse stands nearby on the rocky shore.

An Apache man drinks from Navajo Creek in Arizona. His rifle and horse are nearby

Courtesy Western History/Genealogy Department, Denver Public Library

Reproduction number X-33146

photo id: 1187

A dome-shaped hut made of branches and grass stands on barren ground with household items placed outside, set against a backdrop of hills.

Wickiup

Rounded structure made out of grass, with baskets in front.

Photograph taken by Edward Curtis, circa 1903.

photo id: 1086

Four Native American men gather near rocks and trees on a hillside, with two horses present; two men are seated, two are standing beside the horses.

Storytelling

Storytelling was a popular activity among the Apaches. Here a group of Apache men, two on horseback, others seated, listening and looking on as one member of the party is marking the ground with a stick.

Photograph taken by Edward Curtis, circa 1906.

photo id: 1088

Black-and-white portrait of an Indigenous man wearing a feathered headdress and a blanket, looking directly at the camera.

Ndee Sangochonh

Photograph taken by Edward Curtis, circa 1906.

photo id: 1089

A Native American woman sits in traditional dress, holding a woven basket, surrounded by pottery and a blanket, with plants and a tree in the background.

Dosey, a White Mountain Apache woman

Studio portrait of Dosey, a White Mountain Apache woman. She holds a woven basket and wears a beaded and fringed shawl and bead necklaces. Apaches were known for their intricate basket weaving.

Western History/Genealogy Department,

Denver Public Library

Call number X-32877

photo id: 1175

A Native American woman stands in traditional dress, surrounded by pottery, baskets, and desert plants, with a painted shield leaning nearby.

Daisy, White Mountain Apache

Standing studio portrait of Daisy, a White Mountain Apache woman wearing a fringed buckskin shirt or top with a calico full skirt and posed with baskets and blankets. Cloth dresses or skirts were common by 1850. This portrait was taken about 1883-1885.

Courtesy of Western History/Genealogy Dept.

Denver Public Library

X-32938

photo id: 1176

A Native American man wearing traditional clothing, seated on a fur-covered object, holding a rifle, with a painted backdrop behind him.

Apache Esh-kin-tsay-giza (Mike) White Mountain Indians Al-chi-say’s band

Studio portrait of Mike (Eshkintsaygiza), a White Mountain Apache Alchisay’s band man. He holds a rifle and wears boot moccasins, a breechcloth, ammunition belt, head bandolier, scarves around his neck, face paint, and a cloth headband. Photo taken between 1890 and 1920.

Courtesy of Western History/Genealogy Dept.,

Denver Public Library

Call number X-32879

photo id: 1177

A person in fringed frontier clothing and boots stands holding a rifle, surrounded by foliage in a black-and-white studio portrait.

Title: Tzoch or Peaches, General Crooks White Mountain Apache Scout

Standing studio portrait of Peaches (Penaltish or Tzoch), a White Mountain Apache scout, wearing a fringe shirt, trousers, moccasins, a wrapped headband, ammunition belt with holstered handgun and rifle in hand.

Title hand-lettered on original, partially illegible; hand-written: “This is the renegade guide in Genl Crooks Campaign into the Sierra Madres, 83, (Peaches or Tzoch, White Mountain Apache) very light skin, full blooded, Lt Chaffee dubbed Peaches because such rosy cheeks, (?) by Crook loyal & trusty,” and photographer’s stamp on back of mat board.

Western History/Genealogy department,

Denver Public Library

Call Number x-32930

photo id: 1178

Three men stand outdoors beside a mule in a desert landscape with sparse vegetation; one man wears a suit and hat, the others wear frontier-style clothing and hats.

General Crook Campaign Photo

Captain General Crook stands with (Chiricahua) Dutchy (Ba-keetz-ogie, the Yellow Coyote on left and Al-chi-say, chief of the White Mountain Apaches, on right with rifles and Crook’s double barrel rifle.

Courtesy of

Western History/Genealogy Department,

Denver Public Library

Reproduction Number X-32954

photo id: 1179

Black and white photo of several people and a horse in a rural landscape with scattered trees and buildings in the background near a hillside.

Camp Apache Arizona

Apache men and a white man pose near Fort Apache, Arizona. A saddled horse stands nearby. 1883

Western History/Genealogy Department,

Denver Public Library

Call Number X33462

photo id: 1180

Three Apache men wearing traditional clothing pose for a studio portrait in front of a painted forest backdrop, with trees and rocks at their feet.

Indian Scouts 1880-1890

Studio portrait of White Mountain Apache scout, Peaches (Penaltish or Tzoch) and San Carlos scouts who served the U.S. military in the 1883 Apache Campaign to capture the Chiricahua band. (Date 1885?)

Courtesy of Western History/Genealogy Dept.,

Denver Public Library

photo id: 1181

Two Indigenous men in traditional clothing pose for a historical black-and-white portrait; one is standing, and the other is seated holding a rifle.

Nalte & brother, Gud-i-z-ah, White Mountain Apache Scouts for General Crook’s army

Studio portrait of two of the White Mountain Apaches who served as scouts for General Crook’s army, Nalte and brother Gud-i-z-ah. One holds a rifle and wears a concho buckskin war shirt and a war amulet strap in his hair, the other has a medicine cord for war protection diagonally across his chest. Both wear leggings, moccasins and headbands. Note the turned up toes of the moccasins; The turned up toe prevents injuring the foot. 1883

Courtesy of Western History/ Genealogy Department,

Denver Public Library Call number X-32924.

photo id: 1182

A Native American man stands in traditional attire with feathers in his hair, posing for a black-and-white studio portrait, surrounded by plants and rocks.

White Mountain Apache Medicine Man

Standing studio portrait of Nabuash-i-ta, White Mountain Apache medicine man wearing a cape and feathered medicine hat to protect him from bullets and arrows. The cap was made of turkey feathers tightly woven and with two eagle feathers attached. Normally used for social dances and occasionally for war parties.

Courtesy of Western History/Genealogy Dept.,

Denver Public Library

Call Number X32944

photo id: 1184

A Native American man sits on a patterned blanket, wearing traditional clothing, boots, and a headdress with two upright feathers. He poses in front of a naturalistic backdrop.

Na-buash-i-ta, Apache medicine man of White Mountain Apache

Seated studio portrait of Na-buash-i-ta, White Mountain Apache medicine man wearing a cap and animal fur medicine hat with two feathers, 1884?

Courtesy of Western History/Genealogy Department, Denver Public Library

Reproduction number X-32921

photo id: 1186

A Native American woman stands outdoors wearing traditional clothing and jewelry, with a rural landscape and several people in the background.

Apache girl dressed for ceremony

Young Apache girl dressed for Changing Woman Ceremony. The abalone shell tied to her forehead symbolizes the personification of the Changing Woman and will pick up the suns rays at sunrise. She is wearing the puberty necklace and carries a cane with an eagle plumes, bells and ribbons.

Repository Northern Arizona University Cline Library

Call Number NAU.PH.99.3.5.5.63

Item number 52143

Photo from http://archive.library.nau.edu

photo id: 1154

Two Indigenous women wearing traditional dresses stand outdoors on dirt ground, with hills and trees visible in the background.

Changing Woman ceremony, girl with godmother

One young Apache woman wearing ceremonial dress and holding the ritual wooden cane which symbolizes long life. She carries a scratching stick and a water tube so as not to come into contact with her body. She wears a t-necklace. She stands with her Godmother, her chosen attendant throughout the ceremony.

Repository Northern Arizona University Cline Library

Colorado Plateau Collection

Call Number NAU.PH.99.3.5.5.21

Item number 51159

photo id: 1155

Two people in traditional clothing with feather hair ornaments stand with their backs to the camera, facing a gathered crowd outdoors.

Ceremonial eagle feathers worn by girls at Changing Woman ceremony

The eagle feathers worn by the girls were to guide them at Na’I’es and hang over them even after they were removed. Note the feathers on the shoulders of the girls which were meant to carry the girls lightly and easily through the strenuous dancing of the four day ceremony.

A group of Indigenous people, including two girls in patterned dresses, stand together outdoors on woven blankets, surrounded by men in hats.

Solemn young Apache woman during Changing Woman Ceremony

Young Apache woman standing with Godmother. The girl must keep a solemn look on her face at all times during the four day ceremony as befits the occasion and her position.

Repository Northern Arizona University Cline Library

Call Number NAU.PH.99.3.5.5.75

Item Number 51193

Photo from http://archive.library.nau.edu

photo id: 1158

A group of people, some in hats and traditional clothing, gather outdoors under a tipi frame with animal hides on the ground.

Ceremonial Tipi pole dwelling

As the girls slept a four pole tipi was constructed for them on the dance ground according to ceremony. The wood had to be carefully chosen and if broken had to be replaced as well as any other ritual articles.

Repository Northern Arizona University Cline Library

Call Number NAU.PH.99.3.5.5.14

Item number 51153

Photo from http://archive.library.nau.edu

photo id: 1159

A group of people stands in a circle outdoors near a tall wooden pole structure, with a hill covered in vegetation in the background.

Everyone gathers around the ceremonial tipi in the Changing Woman Ceremony

During the ceremony, everyone gathers around the tipi to support the Changing Woman celebrant. As this is a four day ceremony, she is often left exhausted.

Repository Northern Arizona University Cline Library

Call Number NAU.PH.99.3.5.5.18

Item Number 51157

Photo from http://archive.library.nau.edu

photo id: 1160

A group of Indigenous people, some wearing hats and traditional clothing, stand outdoors in a line near a mountain, with a man playing a drum in the foreground.

Apache girls with singers and helpers

Participants are led into a dance lasting four hours. They are now accompanied by a partner, usually a woman who has already done the Changing Woman ceremony and who will walk with them through the dance as a support. The women are led by the singers using drums.

Repository Northern Arizona University Cline Library

Call Number NAU.PH.99.3.5.5.38

Item Number 51178

Photo from http://archive.library.nau.edu

photo id: 1162

A group of Indigenous men and women, some in traditional dress, stand outdoors in a row with a mountain in the background.

Apache women with singers during Changing Woman Ceremony

Young Apache women accompanied by singers. The changing woman ceremony is four days long, based on the time it took the beginning Changing Woman change from childhood to puberty. The singers pace the songs carefully, watching the girls for signs of exhaustion

Repository Northern Arizona University Cline Library

Call Number NAU.PH.99.3.5.5.23

Item Number 51163

Photo from http://archive.library.nau.edu

photo id: 1163

A group of people stand in a semicircle outdoors around a display of baskets and items on the ground, with hills and trees in the background.

Changing Woman ceremonial objects

Changing Woman Ceremony. Eight blankets covered with deerskin are pointed towards the east. Baskets containing fruit and candy are lined up towards the East as well. A carved stick representing long life is stuck into the earth at the end of the blankets and various ceremonial items are left on the blanket. The girl is lying face down on the blanket. This may be the start of the ceremony or during the massage when the girl’s godmother massages the child prior to the next segment.

Repository Northern Arizona University cline Library

Call Number NAU.PH.99.3.5.5.26

Item 51166

Photo from http://archive.library.nau.edu

photo id: 1164