Native American languages Native American culture Native heritage

Semat (Sémhát)

"Semat" is an alternate name for the Plains Apache tribe. This was their name in the language of their Kiowa allies. Although the Kiowa and the Plains Apache normally had very friendly relations, hosting each other at ceremonies and even intermarrying, the word Semat means "stealers" in Kiowa. Some Apache people believe that this name may have referred to horse raiding, an activity considered to be a test of bravery among Plains Indian tribes, rather than an insult about being thieves.

Sponsored Links

Here are links to our webpages about the Semat tribe and language:

Semat language
Apache culture
Apache tribes
Apache pronunciation
Athabaskan
Southwest Native

Here are a few good books about the Semats:
Culture and Customs of the Apache Indians
Wisdom Sits In Places
Western Apache-English Dictionary

Back to our Native American encyclopedia

Would you like to help support our organization's work with the Semat language?