Problems in Apachean Cultural History, with Special Reference to the Lipan Apache

Cultural anthropologists, linguists, archaeologists, and ethnohistorians have all contributed to our knowledge of Apachean history, culture, and tribal interrelations. This is fortunate, for one subfield can often strengthen or correct findings of another. Thus historical evidence that two Apachean tribes were once forced to live on the same reserve may help explain an unusually large number of common lexical elements. Also, a knowledge of basic Apachean cultural features may help determine whether an archaeological complex such as the Dismal River Aspect can confidently be attributed to Apachean handiwork. The many-faceted evidence that the various subfields of anthropology have provided concerning the Lipan Apache is examined from this "total anthropology" point of view. When the corrective insights of the full range of available data are utilized, it is concluded, at least on the basis of present knowledge, that the Lipan have closer cultural ties to the Jicarilla Apache than to any other Apachean tribe and that they probably had little involvement with Dismal River culture.