Apache Crown Dance

Experience the Apache Crown Dance at the Museum of Northern Arizona with the Diamond Creek Crown Dancers.

Apache believe 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 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. The 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 not approach, touch or request photographs with the dancers