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Geronimo
Goyathlay ("one who yawns"),
1829 (?) - 1909
This carved egg features Geronimo, the Bedonkohe Apache leader of the
Chiricahua Apache who led his people's defense of their homeland against
the U.S. military after the death of Cochise. This was the last
fighting group to formally surrender to the United States.
Geronimo was not a hereditary leader like Cochise but appeared so to
soldiers because he "stood in for" his brother-in-law, Juh,
who had a speech impediment.
Geronimo's band raided and plundered Mexican settlements for many
years, but in 1876, when the U. S. government put the Apaches on the
White Mountain reservation in Arizona, he moved his people into
Mexico. From camps hidden in the Sierra Madre Mountains Geronimo
led raids into the U. S., waging a hit and run warfare. In March,
1886 he surrendered, but escaped within two days with his band. In
September, 1886, Geronimo was again induced to surrender, this time with
the promise that he and his followers would be permitted to return to
Arizona after an indefinite exile in Florida.
The promise was never kept. Geronimo and his fellow prisoners were
put to hard labor, and it was May 1887 before he saw his family again.
He was moved to Fort Sill in Oklahoma Territory in 1894 and took up
farming in an attempt to "take the white man's road." He never
saw Arizona again but was given special permission to sell his
photographs and handiwork at expositions.
Note the use the artist has made of the various natural layers and
shades of the emu egg as he sculpted and carved the shell. The
fine detail and depth in this egg is outstanding. This carved
egg comes with a hand turned wood egg stand and can become a
personalized gift with an inscription on the back.
Because of the variations of color and texture inherent in the emu
egg itself, each carved egg will be unique and make a distinctive
addition to any decor or collection. If you are looking for a
"different" housewarming gift, birthday present or other
special occasion gift for an student of Native American history, this
carved egg will delight them.
#130 Geronimo $120.00


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