Estevanico Circa
1509-1539 | Mexico City ranks Estevanico as one of the foremost explorers of the East and Southwest. It has taken four centuries for Estevanico to receive some recognition for his place in history. Estevanico was born in the Port City of Azemmour, Morocco. After a fierce struggle between the Portuguese and local leaders, the Portuguese captured Azemmour in 1513. The Portuguese sold many Moroccans, including Estevanico, into slavery in Europe. Estevanico and his master became good friends and they sailed together to what is now known as Florida with a Spanish expedition in 1528. Out of poor judgement and carelessness, the force of 300 men, organized by Adelanto Panfillo De Navaez, a Conquistador was virtually wiped out with only four survivors. Two of the survivors were Cabeza De Vaca and Estevanico. It took them eight years to reach what is now known as Mexico City. In 1539, Estevanico was chosen to guide an expedition, headed by Franciscan Friary, Ray Marcos De Niza, to search for the legendary seven cities of Cibola. However, Estevanico got carried away with adventure, rather then waiting for the friar at pre-arranged locations, he eventually pushed ahead more than 100 miles across to Arizona and into New Mexico. In New Mexico, at a Pueblo then called Hawikuh, a hostile citizen met Estevanico. Estevanico carried a medicine gourd trimmed with owl feather, a bird, and symbolizing death to the Zuni and with his rude behavior toward Zuni women he was killed. As a result, a black Kachina known as Chakwaina or Monster Kachina was developed. | |
