Linda was introduced to the history of LOZEN by her Chiricahua Apache relatives. Born into the Chihenne or Eastern Chiricahua Apache Tribe in the early 1840s, LOZEN was a brave, bold, beautiful and skillful Apache warrior and medicine woman. She was the sister of the mighty war chief, Victorio, who relied on her during battle; according to her legend, she was able to use her powers to determine the movements of the enemy. Victorio is quoted as saying “LOZEN is my right hand….strong as a man, braver than most and cunning in strategy. LOZEN is a shield to her people.”
According to author Peter Aleshire, LOZEN fought in more campaigns against the Mexicans and Americans than any of the great Apache leaders, including Cochise, Geronimo, Mangas Coloradus and her own brother, Victorio.
She let it be known at a very early age that she was going to walk the path of the warrior….and her vision for her life was supported by her Tribe. She took part in the warrior’s ceremonies, sang war songs and directed the dances of war parties, prior to battle. She was also a gifted medicine woman and prophet, whose reputation spread beyond her Band. Her guidance was sought by many, not just those around her. Toward the end of Victorio’s campaign, Lozen left the Band to escort a new mother and her infant across the Chihuahuan desert to the Mescalero Indian Reservation. However, before she left, she was not able to perform her usual rituals to protect her Band during battle. Not knowing the enemy’s whereabouts, the Band was ambushed and Victorio died. There were many who believed that had LOZEN been there, the ambush would not have happened.
After the death of her brother, she fought beside the aged Apache patriarch, Nana, who said of her “Though she is a woman, there is no warrior more worthy than the sister of Victorio.” She also fought beside Geronimo, after he fled the San Carlos Reservation in 1885, in the last campaign of the Apache Wars. Geronimo’s band was pursued without mercy, and LOZEN used her powers to locate the enemies….both the U.S. and Mexican cavalries. The Band eluded capture until 1888, when this last free Band of Apaches was captured. LOZEN was taken into military custody and traveled as a prisoner of war to Florida and then to her final confinement at the Mount Vernon Barracks in Alabama. It is believed that LOZEN finally married while a captive. Like many other Apache warriors in captivity, she died of tuberculosis sometime around 1890, at about 50 years old.
It is indomitable spirit of LOZEN that has inspired Linda personally and artistically. Consequently, she chose to name her unique garment and jewelry line in LOZEN’s honor.