The Apache Crown Dance

The Apache Crown Dance is a healing, blessing and protection ceremony performed by Apache men under the close guidance of the tribal Medicine Man. The Crown Dance is a reverent prayerful event with deep meaning to the Apache. 

Apache believe that the Creator sent the Mountain Spirits (Gaan) to the Apache to teach them to live in harmony. The Apache Crown Dance is a representation of the Mountain Spirits and their importance in the Apache culture. Five male dancers perform the dance in a structured group wearing hooded masks with elaborately painted crowns and wielding painted wooden swords during the dance. The dance is performed with drum and song.

Four of the dancers are the embodiment of the Mountain Spirits and represent the four cardinal directions (north, south, east and west). The Mountain Spirits wear black hoods with elaborate crowns and other natural elements to represent their origin. The dancers wear body paint and are adorned with sacred symbols representing different animals, spirits and elements of nature.

The fifth dancer, called “Messenger” or “Clown”, is dressed to stand out from the other dancers by wearing a smaller crown representing the Four Directions. The Clown is a highly sacred being with a dual nature: a frightening figure that scares away evil spirits from the bodies of the sick and a comical teacher who facilitates healing through laughter. 

Diamond Creek Crown Dancers perform the Crown Dance at tribal gatherings to preserve their culture and at exhibition events to educate the public about the rich history of the Apache people.

Observers should maintain silence and minimize movement during the ceremony to show respect for the dancers, drummers and singers. Photography is permitted during the dance, however one should never approach, touch or request photographs with the dancers.