Description
Book SynopsisPresents a remarkable collection of nineteenth-century Comanche oral histories given by Francis Joseph “Joe A” Attocknie. Kavanagh’s introduction adds context to the personal narratives by discussing the process of transmission.
Trade Review"
The Life of Ten Bears provides such a wealth of information regarding Comanche raids and rituals from this era that it should prove of immense value to researchers for decades to come."—Steven Sielaff,
Great Plains Quarterly“Native historical accounts are the ‘holy grail’ for scholars working in borderlands or colonial contact situations. Kavanagh’s editing of Francis Joseph ‘Joe A’ Attocknie’s collection of the historical narratives of the Comanche Ten Bears will prove invaluable for scholars and edifying for readers.”—Lance Blyth, author of
Chiricahua and Janos: Communities of Violence in the Southwestern Borderlands, 1680–1880“
The Life of Ten Bears will quickly become required reading in a range of disciplines and will be enjoyed by a broad, popular readership. It is a treasured addition to historical narratives authored by members of Native American communities in the twentieth century.”—Daniel Swan, curator of ethnology, Sam Noble Museum, University of Oklahoma
Table of ContentsIntroduction by Thomas W. Kavanagh
Preface
The Dated Narratives
1. The Life of Ten Bears · ca. 1790–1872
2. Peace with the Kiowas · ca. 1825
3. Uhta Hookne: The Robe Entrenchments · 1837
4. Nahwakatahnohpetuhupu: When the Enemies Camped Together · 1838
5. Piakoruko’s War against the Apaches · 1840
6. Where the Comanches’ Saddle Packs Were Captured: Isakwahip’s Tragic Victory · ca. 1845–50
7. The Badger’s Mirror · 1855
8. Disaster in Coahuila · 1856
9. The Red-Striped Saddle Blanket · 1856
10. The Battle at Little Robe Creek · 1858
11. Wutsuki · 1858
12. Tuhtahyuheekuh Evens the Score against the Osages · 1868
13. Onawia Takes a New Wife and Goes to Mexico ·1868
14. Buckskin Charlie versus Kiowas and Comanches · July 1868
15. The Battle of the Washita · November 26, 1868
16. The Battle of McClellan Creek · September 24, 1872
17. The Battle of Adobe Walls · 1874
18. The Last Sun Dance, the Last Raid · July 26, 1878
The Undated Narratives
19. Esitoya’s Loyalty
20. Pukumahkuh’s Two Escapes
21. The Pukutsinuu: The Comanche Contrary Warriors
22. Mubsiihuhtuko: The Peaceful Nephew
23. A Fight between Cavalry and a Comanche War Party
24. Attocknie Gets Half a Scalp
25. A Cripple and a Blind Man Form a Friendship
26. Violation of a Dance Ground
27. Pohocsucut and the Two Kiowas
28. The Mule
29. Querherbitty
30. Comanche Pictographs
31. Miscellaneous Religious Matters
32. Fragmentary and Incomplete Narratives
Appendix: Lexicon
Notes
Bibliography
Index
