| All Apache boys , starting at around age 7, had to become warriors. Every morning, a boy would go wash in the river (even if was freezing clod; they'd break the ice and bathe.) To toughen up, the boys would play wrestling games, and the would also mock battles too. When the boy thought he was ready (around age 12) he would have to do four raids to become a warrior. First, a shaman would give the boy 3 items, a scratchier (to scratch him), a drinking tube (to make sure water didn't touch his lips), and a special war cup. He was then scared to show the Gans that he is becoming a warrior. Then, he'd go on the raids. If he did well on the first raid, he would be invited back. Once he finished the four raids, he was considered a warrior. | |
|