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Transcript

Apache Mountain Spirit Dance

Antonia Gatelaro

The Mescalero Apache is a Native American group originated from the soutwest including Texas, Arizona, Chihuahua, Mexico andSonora, Mexico. They were known to be guerrilla fighters who defended their homelands due to the fact that they caused terror and constant fear in settlers and raided Spanish, Mexican, and American Settlers

Culture

Today, there are still sub-tribes. The mescalero, Lipan, and Chiricahua that still makeup the Mescalero Apache Tribe. They live on the reservation of 463,000 acres of what was the heartland of their peoples original homelands.

Today

In the Apache Gaan dance, the performers are embodiments of the mountain Spirits. They wear hooded masks with elaborate painted crowns and wield painted wands during the dances. This dance consists of four members and a clown. The leader is recognized as having the highest crown and the clown may wear the smallest crown. The dancers chant and keep beat with the same dance step as the girl, while in motion they lead the participant guests about the plaza. eventually the girl follows the clown around the plaza and the guests fall in line after her. the clown holds a mixture of ocher and corn pollen that is sprinkled or brushed over the girl by the other Gaan. Any remaining pollen may be emptied from the basket over her head and body.

Movement/ Details

This dance is performed on the final night of the sunrise dance ceremony. This ceremony commemorates the growth of a girl into womanhood. The dance is also performed in healing ceremonies and as a social dance. The four masked dancers represent the north, south, east, and west. The clown protects the others by driving away evil spirits with the sound of his humming bull-roarer. There are symbols on the crowns that signify the sacred directions.

Importance

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

- http://www.whitewolfpack.com/2014/09/traditional-apache-crown-dancer.html

- https://mescaleroapachetribe.com/our-culture/

Source

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