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Apache Tribe Culture: A Deep Dive into Their Music, Dance, and Art
A group-by-group overview of Apache song, dance and visual arts, from Western Apache basketry and Jicarilla pottery to the sculpture and painting of Allan Houser.
Daily Life and Arts
Music Dance and Art
Song, dance and visual art across Apache communities.
Apache Artistic Expression: The Beauty of Apache Music and Dance
How the Western Apache fiddle is made from an agave stalk, how it fits alongside drums and rattles, and where Apache fiddle playing and making continue today.
Apache Artistic Expression: The Significance of Apache Music and Dance
A look at Apache social dances open to the community, how they differ from ceremonial dances, and what they do for family, friendship and shared identity.
Apache Culture: A Rich Tapestry of Storytelling and Art
A look at Apache visual art, from beadwork to painting and sculpture, including the career of Chiricahua sculptor Allan Houser and the work of his son Bob Haozous.
Apache Dance: The Traditional Rhythms and Movements
A general, public-level look at Apache water drums, rhythm and song structure, with notes on why many ceremonial songs and their details are not shared publicly.
Apache History and Film: A Look at the Portrayal of the Apache in Cinema
How Hollywood Westerns shaped images of Apache peoples, why non-Native actors played Apache roles, and how Native-led film and television changed the picture.
Apache Music and Dance: A Celebration of Culture
Where Apache dancing is shared with the public, from fairs and rodeos to July and September feasts, with practical visitor etiquette and a reminder to check official calendars.
Apache Music and Dance: A Vibrant Expression of Culture
The main categories of Apache dance, from Crown Dancers described in general public terms to round and social dances, with notes on how nations and communities differ.
Apache Music and Dance: The Importance of Cultural Preservation
How Apache communities teach songs and dances to young people, why recording sacred music is restricted, and what respectful archiving and learning look like.
Apache Tribe Culture: The Importance of Music and Dance in Their Society
How to find and understand the published work of contemporary Apache musicians across genres, from traditional singing groups to fiddle, country, rock and hip-hop.
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More in daily life and arts
Values Law and Elders Customary law, conduct and the role of elders. Diplomacy and Peacemaking Disputes, alliances and trade between and within groups. Apache Art and Expression Visual art, music and creative work by Apache artists past and present. Craftsmanship Basketry, beadwork, pottery, weaving and the makers who keep these skills alive. Dress and Adornment Clothing, jewelry and regalia across Apache groups. Land and Livelihood Hunting, gathering, farming, tools and relationships with homelands. Childhood and Upbringing How Apache children were raised, taught and played. Community and Social Structure Bands, local groups and community values. Family and Kinship Clans, extended families and elders. Foodways Traditional foods, gathering and cooking. Heritage and Traditions Everyday traditions, land-based practice and ways of life across Apache groups. Apache Homelands and Landscapes The mountains, deserts and rivers of Apache country, and how to visit them respectfully. Plants and Traditional Knowledge The plants of Apache country and the public, general knowledge of how they were used.