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Apache Mountain Spirit Dance

Culture

Members of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, the Apache Crown Dancers live in Whiteriver, Arizona. Crown Dancing is an ancient and spiritual dance form. According to Apache legend, the mountain spirits taught the Apaches how to dance as a form of healing. The Gaan, or mountain spirits, are the Crown Dancers. Usen, the Creator, is said to have sent the Gaan to the Apaches to teach them to live in harmony.

https://ideastream.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/natam.arts.dance.abapache/native-american-culture-about-apache-dances/

Movement

The dance ground on which the Mountain Spirit dancers perform contains a large fire. When the dancers enter the dance ground, they circle the fire in preparation for the dance. Then, at a signal, singers and drummers begin the accompaniment and the dance begins. On the final night of the Sunrise Dance ritual, Gaan dancers conduct a Gaan Dance. While in motion, the Gaan dancers chant and keep time with the girl's dance steps, leading the audience around the plaza.

https://www.arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org/explore-the-museum/exhibitions/athapascan-way/apache-gaan-dance

http://nativeamerican-art.com/apache-legend2.html

Importance

The Gaan dance is a healing and rejuvenation ceremonial designed to keep the Apache safe from disease and foes. The performers embody the Mountain Spirits (the Gaan) and transform into them.

https://www.arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org/explore-the-museum/exhibitions/athapascan-way/apache-gaan-dance

Deatails

Details

Mountain Spirits hold evening dances for two or four nights in a row. This was a two-night wedding ceremony. The dancers' torsos are painted with various designs each night they perform. Each group features four "Crown Dancers," as seen in these photographs, who are dressed and designed in the same way every night. These four dancers represent the four directions.

https://archserve.id.ucsb.edu/courses/rs/natlink/apache/apa_cerem6.htm

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCsUo9LWnzg

Video

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