Crown Dancer
Kachina
 
Apache Mountain Spirits protect humans from epidemic diseases, enemies and evil.
The Mountain Spirit Dancers or Crown Dancers "become" these sacred beings. 
Four Mountain Spirit Dancers and a clown wield their wooden swords as they dance around a fire impersonating the "ga'an" or mountain spirit.
Each dancer's torso is decorated with symbolic designs and he wears a hooded mask topped with a massive ornate wooden headress. In each hand he carries painted wooden swords.
They embody the Four Directions.
The Clown protects the others by driving away evil spirits.
He plays a very important role in the healing process, provoking laughter and as we all know...laughter is the best medicine.
 
Handcarved
9.5" tall
5" wooden slab base
 
You will receive the kachina in the photo.
 
Navajo Artisan: Virgil Wood
 
Made in The United States