Apache Ga An
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*Apache historically inhabited the southwestern United States, northern Mexico
From eastern Arizona to west Texas on a longitudinal axis
From southern Colorado to Sonora and Chihuahua on a latitudinal axis
They formerly lived in independent tribes related by ethnic ties
following the herds of bison in a semi-nomadic pattern
Prowess, courage as warriors before United States imperialism, legendary
They now are concentrated in reservations in Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, integrated in U.S. or Mexican society.
They practice either their traditional animistic religion or Christianity, or both
THE 4TH GA-AN RISES FROM THE FLAMES IN AN APACHE RITUAL OLDER THAN RELIGIONS BROUGHT TO THE “New World” FROM THE “old world”—Apache Ga-an Dance, an important, spiritual masked ritual of all Apache peoples

©1996 RICO LEFFANTA
Apache Ga-an are like the disciples of Christ, they were most highly respected
Missionaries condemned the Ga-an as “Devil Dancers,” and called them inferior
“New World” new beliefs, but even the woman and children were unprotected
Apaches totally rejected a religion where humans only are considered superior
Evil men, who taught they were above everything else, “The Chosen Ones”
Apache language was unaccepted, so punished when it was proudly spoken
Franciscan’s, Jesuits, Spaniards, Comanches, confinement, disease, and guns
Killed, called them savages, or their spirits and bodies were gradually broken
The dance ceremony is performed to drum and song, and mostly at night
Four dancers representing different cardinal directions north, south, east, west
The messenger, “clown” with a dual nature is the only one who wears white
Dancers represent mountain spirits, their masks prepared by a shaman guest
A bull roarer or whistle starts the ceremony to create an ethereal sound
The ceremony is performed at na’ih’es, girl’s adulthood initiation ritual
Flashing adding to the dazzling effect are the mirrors on the crowned
Apache, indigenous peoples, associate with spirituality and are habitual
Powerful mountain spirits and a comical teacher who heals through laughter
You may see the Ga-an rise from the flames, when you hear the messenger
The dancer’s bodies painted with symbols and patterns, stars, of here after
Today, more enlightened Americans call the Ga-an, “Crown Dancers” ~
Copyright © I Am Anaya | Year Posted 2022
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