Penateka Comanches

On the Southern Great Plains, the Penateka Comanches along with the other bands grew to be extremely mobile and skilled on horseback. As well-prepared and mounted people, they nomadically moved following their sources of food.

The Penateka, who were known as the southernmost band of Comanches, ranged from the headwaters of the Colorado River down to the Edwards Plateau. They also traversed other key rivers in central Texas and were well known in the history of Texas. With the great abundance of wooded hills, water springs, fertile grasslands bordering the Balcones, and the presence of flint, the Penateka made their home in the hill country.

The North Carolinian born and Texas colonist Noah Smithwick shared some observations about the Penateka Comanches of the 1830's. With regard to everyday life of the family, he saw that women tenderly cared for the children. As Noah had lived among the Comanches for around three months, he had seen children handled with kindness. Also, he saw a gentleness within the family. Of his time spent being among the Penateka Comanches, Noah said that he never saw a woman or child abused.

Remarkable historical picture titled "Wife of To-sho-way, circa 1872. To-sho-way was an important chief of the Penateka Comanches around the mid-1800's. The Albumen silver print was done by the Scottish born photographer Alexander Gardner. The Bureau of American Ethnology Collection. Photograph courtesy of the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, Texas.