Great Leader: Mangas Coloradas of the Mimbreno Apache, c 1793-1863
A Native leader gained prominence through his skills in war and hunting, his wisdom in council and force of personality. It also helped to be at the right place at the right time, and to be related to other powerful leaders. Mangas Coloradas, c 1793-1863, had all of the above. Mangas was a Bedonkohe Apache by birth, who later married into the Mimbreno division of the Apache. The Mimbreno controlled hunting and home range from the Rio Grande in Texas through southwester New Mexico. Mimbreno leader, Cuchillo Negro, became Mangas mentor and may have also been his brother-in-law. In time, Mangas became father-in-law to Cochise of the Chiricahua, Victorio of the Mimbreno/Warm Springs Apache, and Kutbhalla/Caballero of the Mescalero. Mangas name was the Spanish word for Red Sleeves, a translation of an Apache name referring to a pink shirt. Mangas got his start in raids against the Mexicans. The Apaches hated the Spanish and the Mexicans for m...