: Often referred to as the "Gray One" or "Messenger," the fifth dancer is painted white. His role is to protect the other dancers by driving away evil spirits and to provide humor to the audience, often "disciplining" children through playful antics. Regalia & Performance The Museum Journal | The Devil Dance of the Apaches
The dance typically involves , each with a distinct spiritual role: apache devil dance
: 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. : Often referred to as the "Gray One"
: Dancers are not just "performing"; they are believed to become the physical manifestation of the Mountain Spirits during the ritual. The Dancers & Their Roles They wear black buckskin masks and large, ornate
: It is a central component of the Sunrise Ceremony , a four-day ritual marking an Apache girl's transition into womanhood.
: The dance is a powerful prayer to ward off disease and enemies.