Apache Devil Dance -

: The dance is a powerful prayer to ward off disease and enemies.

: They represent the four cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West). They wear black buckskin masks and large, ornate wooden crowns made of yucca stakes. apache devil dance

The , more accurately known as the Apache Crown Dance or Gaan Dance , is a sacred ceremonial rite of the Apache people (primarily the Mescalero, Chiricahua, and White Mountain Apache) intended for healing, protection, and community blessing . The name "Devil Dance" is an outsider misnomer; the dancers actually represent and embody the Gaan , or Mountain Spirits, who are benevolent entities sent by the Supreme Being to teach the Apache how to live properly. Ritual Significance & Purpose : The dance is a powerful prayer to