The Governor, Old Woman White Hands – An Apache Legend
The oral traditions of indigenous peoples are rich tapestries woven with threads of history, morality, and cultural identity. Among the many narratives passed down through generations, Apache legends stand out for their vivid imagery, compelling characters, and profound insights into the Apache worldview. One such legend, collected by ethnologist Pliny Earle Goddard in 1911, tells the story of a governor, referred to as "Old Woman White Hands," and a daring raid against a powerful enemy. This tale, documented within the Jicarilla Apache texts, offers a glimpse into the complex relationships between different groups in the American Southwest and the resourcefulness of the Apache people. The legend of The Governor, Old Woman White Hands showcases the importance of strategy, diplomacy, and the delicate balance of power in a world where survival depended on both strength and cunning.
The story unfolds in a time long past, within the arid landscapes of what is now New Mexico. The narrative begins with four men from Taos, a pueblo with a rich history predating European contact. Taos Pueblo, a remarkable example of traditional architecture, stands as a testament to the enduring culture of the Pueblo people. These four men, possessing exceptional mental fortitude and perhaps shamanistic abilities, were capable of astral projection, leaving their physical bodies behind as they scouted for threats to their community. While their bodies rested in the shade of Taos, their minds roamed the vast territories, seeking out signs of danger.
On one such expedition, one of the men ventured east, discovering an enemy encampment. Upon his return, the four men, united in purpose, engaged in a spiritual and mental battle, converging on the enemy camp from the cardinal directions. They mentally attacked and defeated the enemy, driving them inward and ultimately destroying their property. This victory, achieved through mental prowess, allowed them to return to Taos and once again rest in the shade.
However, the threat persisted. The same man journeyed east again, this time finding the enemy encamped on the near side of the Arkansas River, at a place called Tsek’aaye, meaning "rock stands up." The Arkansas River, a significant waterway in the region, served as both a resource and a boundary. Upon his return, the men decided to seek assistance from a powerful figure in Santa Fe, a settlement that had become a center of Spanish colonial authority.
They tasked the messenger to seek out "Old-woman-her-hand-white" and implore him to kill the enemy on their behalf, urging him to come at once. This "Old Woman White Hands" was the governor, a man of influence and authority within the Spanish colonial structure. The title itself is intriguing, perhaps referring to his perceived effeminacy or weakness, or perhaps to the color of his hands. Whatever the reason, the Taos people saw in him a potential ally, despite his position within a foreign power. The decision to seek his aid highlights the pragmatic approach of the Taos people, willing to engage with outsiders to ensure their safety.
The messenger, upon arriving in Santa Fe, delivered his plea to the governor. However, "Old Woman White Hands" was skeptical, doubting the man’s sincerity or perhaps underestimating the threat. Instead of immediately mobilizing his forces, he placed a ball and chain on the messenger’s ankle, effectively imprisoning him. This act reveals the governor’s cautious nature and his suspicion of the indigenous population. The ball and chain, a symbol of colonial oppression, underscores the power imbalance between the Spanish and the native peoples.
Days passed without the messenger’s return, causing concern and anger among the men in Taos. Frustrated and fearing the worst, they accused "Old Woman White Hands" of foul play, believing he had harmed their envoy. The phrase "May you die!" reflects the depth of their anger and their belief in the governor’s culpability. Their impatience underscores the urgency of their situation and their dependence on the governor’s assistance.
Finally, they decided to travel to Santa Fe themselves to investigate. Upon arriving, they confronted the governor, demanding to know the whereabouts of their messenger. To their surprise, Okad’a, the messenger, emerged from the jail, hobbled by the ball and chain. The men, observing his predicament, remarked, "His father was good to him and made a rattle for him," a sarcastic comment highlighting the absurdity of his situation. They then demanded that the governor remove the chain, explaining that this was the man who had come to request his aid in defeating their enemies.
After two days, the men, impatient with the governor’s delay, instructed him to prepare to return to Taos, where they would await his arrival. As the governor and his entourage set out, they were provided with horses adorned with bells, a gesture that, while seemingly generous, was perhaps intended to mock the governor’s perceived vanity. The men again commented, "Oh, his father was good to him. He travels with the bells jingling," further emphasizing their disdain. The gifts of horses and bells were then given to the Pueblo Indians.
The men returned to Taos and resumed their vigil, growing increasingly frustrated with the governor’s tardiness. "May you die! What is Old-woman-white-hands doing while another day passes?" they exclaimed. The dust rising in the distance signaled the governor’s approach, and he and his men camped by the sinking place near Taos.
In the evening, the Taos men approached the governor, inquiring about their next campsite. The governor’s response, "Close by," drew scorn from the Taos men, who accused him of being "with a child," implying that he was weak and unable to travel far. They declared their intention to depart early the next day, arriving at the campsite before him.
The pattern continued for several days, with the Taos men setting out early, only to be met by the governor and his entourage arriving later in the evening, their horses exhausted. Each evening, they would ask, "Old-woman-white-hands, where shall we camp tomorrow?" and the governor would reply, "Not far." The Taos men’s repeated accusations of the governor being "with child" served to belittle him and emphasize their own superior stamina and resilience.
Finally, growing weary of the slow pace, the Taos men instructed Okad’a, their servant, to scout the enemy camp once more. He returned with the news that the camp was still quiet. As they approached the enemy, they built a fire and sent Okad’a to the enemy camp to obtain food. He was given meat, and then sent back for water. The enemy provided him with a water basket, which he used to bring water back to the Taos men. After they had drunk, they instructed him to return the basket to the enemy.
The next day, the men moved toward the enemy camp, which was situated on either side of an arroyo. The men took their positions facing from the four directions. The enemy discovered them. The Taos men, armed only with war clubs, launched their attack, focusing on the enemy on one side of the arroyo. They fought until all the enemies on that side were killed. Then, they approached those who had not fought, stroking their hair as a sign of friendship. They gathered up all the personal property and horses.
One of the Taos men then instructed the governor, "Old-woman-white-hands, tell your people to stand in line on the other side." The captured goods were distributed among them. Then, the men allowed the former enemies with whom they had made friends to pick out their horses. Finally, they instructed the governor, "Old Woman White Hands, give the other horses to your people."
With the distribution complete, the Taos men delivered their final instructions to the governor: "Now, Old Woman White Hands, you may camp after us as short marches as you wish. You have become a rich man. Go back as slowly as you wish." The four men returned to Taos in a single day and climbed up to the top of their shade.
The legend of The Governor, Old Woman White Hands ends with the Taos men’s triumphant return, leaving the governor to return to Santa Fe at his own leisurely pace, burdened with the spoils of war. The story serves as a testament to the resourcefulness and strategic thinking of the Apache people, their ability to manipulate political situations to their advantage, and their unwavering commitment to protecting their community. While the governor, "Old Woman White Hands," may have been initially skeptical and slow to act, he ultimately played a role in securing victory for the Taos people, albeit one orchestrated by their cunning and determination. The tale is a reminder of the complex interactions between different cultures in the Southwest and the enduring power of indigenous legends to convey history, values, and a unique perspective on the world.