Here are some highlights of Melanie "Little Cloud" Bell's coming-of-age ceremony (na'ii'ees), held on Mescalero Apache land in New Mexico during late July 2002.

This was a rare, traditional version of the ritual, which lasted well over a week. In the future, more images will be posted along with text describing the events.


At right: Melanie's mom, Francis.

Above and below: Ritual massages (niztii)
and sprints (gishshizhaahá bidaa leedilyee)
prepare Melanie for endurance dancing.
As Melanie dances through the night, cooks prepare a post-midnight meal (above).
Meanwhile, Gaan dancers banish bad spirits (below).




-AN APACHE IMAGE GALLERY --Click on pictures below for larger versions.

For more information on this ceremony, visit:
Children of Changing Woman

Photos of Melanie at homecoming and her brother Zane sent in by their mom.
Me and other visiting family members.

Paul's Apache action figure box artwork.

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