A dancing $mask-helmet depicting a Mountain Spirit – Gaan. Gaans are supernatural creatures that live in mountains and caves throughout Apache country and manifest themselves as masked dancers during the gaan ceremony. Culture: Apache, XIX-XX centuries. USA.
This Apache dancing mask of the Mountain Spirit – Gaan consists of a black cloth headdress (cap) with small holes for the eyes and mouth. The upper structure of the mask is ingeniously made of wooden slats and painted. It is attached to a fabric cap using a frame made of twigs.
According to Apache beliefs, mountain spirits ensure the well-being of people by protecting them from enemies and epidemics.🎭