Great Warrior: Lozen of the Warm Springs Apache, 1840-1889
In some tribes a woman was free to choose a warrior's path. Just as with male warriors, she was responsible for shielding her people from harm, guiding them to safety, and fighting their enemies. Lozen, the sister of Chihenne/Warm Springs Apache leader Victorio exemplified all of these qualities. Lozen was born c 1840's in New Mexico, in the Chihenne Apache's home range. Her brother, Victorio/Biduya was several years older than her. How or why Lozen chose to become a warrior instead of a wife in mother isn't known today. However, it may have had something to do with the fact that, in addition to being personally courageous and very cunning, Lozen had abilities above and beyond those of typical warriors. According to tradition, she could sense the direction and proximity of enemies. She would pray to the Apache deity and stand with her palms outstretched, turning in one direction or another until the palms tingled or changed color. ...