Beautiful 3 1/4” tall vintage Zuni multi stone inlay Black Apache Ghan (Gaan) Dancer bolo tie. Gaan is pronounced Ghan so it’s been switched over time so people get correct pronunciation. The Zuni artists’ used turquoise, coral onyx, yellow and white mother of pearl in creating the Apache Ghan. The stones and shell have been set at different heights giving a 2-dimensional appears from the side. The artist has use hammered flat twisted wire to cap off the top crown of the headdress and they added the traditional dance prayer sticks in both hands. The actual live dancers cover their bodies black with charcoal and a mix of corn pollen and ochre and the yellow shell displays the rest of the outfit along with the white MOP as the breastplate. The dance is also known as the Mountain Spirit Dance, the Crown Dance, or the Devil Dance.

The Black Apache Ghan Dancer stands 3 1/4” tall by 1 3/4” across and is connected to the 4-ply black braided cord with a BENNETT PAT.PEND. locking bolo clasp. The cord measures 46” long which includes the 2 1/4” long saucer bead end tips. The complete bolo tie weighs 46.4 grams (1.64 oz). It’s been hand signed Carlos & Paula Lamy - Zuni “77”. Really nice vintage 70’s Zuni Black Apache Ghan Dancer bolo tie! $382.95

The Gaan dance is a healing and renewal ceremony to protect the Apache from disease and their enemies. Gaan dancers perform a Gaan Dance on the final night of the Sunrise Dance ceremony and finish the dance as the sun breaks the plain in morning. (courtesy of Arizona Museum of Natural History)