Nine Years Among the Indians by Herman Lehmann: Overview

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be kidnapped by Native Americans in the 1800s? Can you imagine spending nearly a decade living among them, adopting their ways, and becoming a warrior?

Herman Lehmann's __Nine Years Among the Indians_, 1870-1879_ tells the incredible true story of his captivity and assimilation into Apache and Comanche cultures. You'll follow Lehmann's journey from terrified captive to respected warrior, and his eventual return to his birth family.

Let's dive into this fascinating tale of survival, adaptation, and the clash between two very different worlds.

Overview of Nine Years Among the Indians

Experience the remarkable journey of Herman Lehmann in Nine Years Among the Indians (1870-1879). At only eleven years old, Lehmann was captured by Apache warriors, enduring cruel hardships that ultimately led to his assimilation into their society. He embraced their language, customs, and survived brutal conflicts, becoming a respected Apache warrior himself.

Lehmann's story takes an unexpected turn when he transitions into the Comanche tribe, earning the privilege of being initiated into Quanah Parker's family and fighting alongside the Comanches against their enemies. He vividly recounts his struggles, fortitude, and cultural immersion in this captivating tale before finally returning to his Anglo roots.

Life Among the Apache

Herman Lehmann's journey into Native American life began with his capture by Apache warriors. At just eleven years old, he was thrust into a world vastly different from his own. The initial days of his captivity were filled with cruelty and hardship, as the Apache sought to break his spirit and mold him into their ways.

Lehmann's captors subjected him to a series of brutal ordeals. They stripped him naked, forced him to endure harsh conditions, and treated him much like they would a wild horse being tamed. He suffered wounds from mesquite thorns and severe sunburn. In a particularly distressing incident, Carnoviste, one of his captors, forced Lehmann to eat the entrails of a freshly killed calf, causing him to vomit. These experiences were designed to test Lehmann's resilience and break down his resistance to assimilation.

Despite the initial trauma, Lehmann gradually began to adapt to Apache life. He learned their language, adopted their clothing styles, and embraced their spiritual beliefs. He developed crucial survival skills and took on community responsibilities, including caring for horses. As time passed, Lehmann's integration into Apache society became so complete that he actively participated in their raids and battles.

Becoming an Apache Warrior

Lehmann's transformation from captive to warrior was a gradual process marked by numerous conflicts and skirmishes. His first raid in Southwest Texas came just two months after his capture. During this encounter, a maternal figure in Lehmann's life defended her household, resulting in injuries to Carnoviste and another Apache warrior.

As Lehmann continued to live among the Apache, he participated in various raids and conflicts. He recounted stories of horse theft, clashes with Texas Rangers, and witnessing the deaths of both Mexicans and Apaches. He also took part in battles against the Comanche, showcasing the complex relationships between different Native American tribes.

These experiences weren't just about violence and conflict. They also taught Lehmann about the harsh realities of frontier life and the complex dynamics between different groups in the region. He witnessed the fate of other captured youths, further emphasizing the brutal nature of inter-tribal conflicts and the precarious position of captives.

Transition to Comanche Life

After his time with the Apache, Lehmann's journey took an unexpected turn as he joined the Comanche tribe. This transition marked a significant shift in his life and showcased the complex relationships between different Native American groups.

Lehmann's decision to join the Comanche was driven by a desire for companionship and a weariness of solitary existence. His previous interactions with the Comanche gave him confidence in his ability to learn their language and engage in meaningful dialogue. However, he was uncertain about their attitudes towards the Apache or their current views on European settlers.

Determined to break ties with the Apache, Lehmann approached the Comanche with a willingness to engage in hostile activities against both his former tribe and European-American settlers. This readiness to prove his loyalty played a crucial role in his acceptance by the Comanche.

Initiation Into the Comanche Tribe

Lehmann's acceptance into the Comanche tribe wasn't a simple process. It involved rigorous physical challenges and painful initiation rites. He endured forceful dismounting, aggressive rituals, and the infliction of painful piercings and scars that marked his body. These trials were designed to test his resolve and commitment to the Comanche way of life.

The Comanche accepted Lehmann on the condition that he would fully embrace their lifestyle, aid in battles against their enemies, and steadfastly refuse to surrender to white settlers. In 1877, at the age of seventeen, Lehmann was welcomed into Quanah Parker's family. This acceptance granted him all the rights and benefits associated with membership in the Comanche community. His new status was solidified when the tribe began referring to him by the name Montechena.

Life as a Comanche Warrior

Lehmann's life as a Comanche warrior was filled with battles, close calls, and cultural experiences that further cemented his place within the tribe. He participated in numerous conflicts, including an assassination attempt by members of his former Apache community and fierce battles with the Tonkaway, who were staunch enemies of the Comanche.

These conflicts weren't just about violence; they also revealed the complex nature of inter-tribal relationships. For instance, Lehmann recounts how the Comanches reacted upon discovering that the Tonkaways were cooking the limb of a Comanche warrior for consumption, highlighting the deep-seated animosities between different groups.

Lehmann's warrior life wasn't limited to battles. He also had several close calls with danger near the Pecos River, survived cattle theft attempts, and clashed with Mexican troops. These experiences all contributed to building a strong sense of unity within his Comanche group. They also provided Lehmann with a deep understanding of the risks and challenges faced by Native American warriors during this tumultuous period in history.

Daily Life and Cultural Experiences

Beyond the conflicts and battles, Lehmann's account provides fascinating insights into everyday Comanche life. He describes their healing practices, his experiences as part of Quanah Parker's family, and his interactions with other captives, including Adolph Korn.

Lehmann also witnessed significant cultural and spiritual events. He participated in a week-long fast that concluded with a celebration, during which he received a psychedelic substance that induced feelings of buoyancy and elation. He observed shamans performing extraordinary acts while claiming dominion over meteorological phenomena, offering a glimpse into the spiritual beliefs and practices of the Comanche.

These experiences highlight the rich cultural tapestry of Comanche life, going beyond the stereotypical image of Native Americans as merely warriors. Lehmann's account provides a nuanced view of a complex society with its own traditions, beliefs, and social structures.

Return to Anglo Society

After nine years living among Native American tribes, Lehmann's journey took another dramatic turn as he was reunited with his birth family. This reunion and subsequent reintegration into Anglo society proved to be a challenging and emotionally complex process for Lehmann.

Initially, Lehmann struggled to connect with his Anglo family and culture. He continued to wear his Indian garments, preferred solitude in the woods, and maintained a reserved attitude when interacting with others. The disconnect was so profound that he struggled to see his mother as anything more than a female figure from a Caucasian heritage, a stark contrast to his deep immersion in Native American traditions.

Lehmann's reintegration was further complicated by language barriers. Having lost his ability to speak English or his native German, he found communication with his family difficult. This language gap, combined with his ingrained Native American customs, created a significant obstacle in reconnecting with his Anglo roots.

Challenges of Reintegration

Lehmann's struggle to readjust to Anglo society manifested in various ways. He preferred sleeping outdoors rather than in a bed, a habit formed during his years with the Native Americans. His persistent wearing of Comanche warrior garments was a visible sign of his reluctance to fully embrace his former way of life.

The family also faced challenges in accepting Lehmann back into their lives. His wild nature, formed by years of living in a drastically different culture, was at odds with the settled lifestyle of his Anglo relatives. This cultural clash created tension and misunderstanding on both sides, highlighting the profound impact of Lehmann's years among the Native Americans.

Gradual Assimilation and Reconciliation

Despite the initial difficulties, Lehmann's reintegration into Anglo society was a gradual process marked by the persistent support and warmth of his family. Over time, his wild nature began to soften, a change he attributed to the positive effects of social progress.

Lehmann's journey back to his Anglo roots involved relearning languages he had forgotten. He achieved fluency in both English and German, which played a crucial role in rebuilding connections with the settlers, many of whom were his relatives. This linguistic bridge was vital in Lehmann's decision to remain and integrate into the community.

As he settled into Anglo life, Lehmann found ways to honor his Native American past while embracing his new future. He shared his knowledge with local farmers and ranchers, creating a link between his Comanche heritage and his life in Anglo-American society. This ability to straddle both worlds became a unique aspect of Lehmann's identity.

Lehmann's story of adaptation didn't end with his return to Anglo society. He continued to evolve, learning to appreciate modern inventions such as cars and radios. These experiences showcase the human capacity for change and adaptation, even in the face of dramatic cultural shifts.

In the end, Lehmann's journey from captive to warrior to settled farmer is a testament to the complexity of human identity and the power of cultural immersion. His story provides a unique window into a tumultuous period of American history, offering insights into the clash and intermingling of vastly different cultures on the American frontier.