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Dancing in Congo Square, 1886. Mardi Gras Indians have been practicing their traditions in New Orleans since at least the 18th century. The colony of New Orleans was founded by the French in 1718, on land inhabited by the Chitimacha Tribe, and within the first decade 5,000 enslaved Africans were trafficked to the colony. The tribes celebrate Mardi Gras with traditions that date back to the 1800s, when Mardi Gras krewes excluded blacks. Shut out by segregation, African-Americans began to celebrate in their own A Glimpse Into the World of Mardi Gras Indians. The tradition of Mardi Gras Indians dates back to the 19th century, deeply rooted in the African American community of New Orleans. They are known for their elaborate, hand-sewn costumes, vibrant colors, and intricate beadwork, resembling the attire of Native American tribes. Big Chief Demond Melancon wears his Red Cloud suit amongst other members of Mardi Gras Indian tribes [+] during Mardi Gras 2014. In February 2021, the usual bustle of New Orleans’ Canal The New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Council was established in 1985 to represent the tribes’ interests. Mardi Gras Indians in 2011 Derek Bridges via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY 2.0. Following The Mardi Gras Indians are African American carnival revelers in New Orleans, Louisiana, known for their elaborate suits and participation in Mardi Gras. The Ma Courtesy of Eric Waters. Darryl Montana. Waters, Eric (photographer) M ardi Gras Indians are African Americans who form “tribes” that hold weekly practices in bars throughout New Orleans and then march through the streets on Mardi Gras Day and other recurring dates, when they wear elaborately hand-beaded and feathered costumes known as “suits.” Indians would meet on Mardi Gras; it was a day to settle scores." - Larry Bannock, Past President, New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Council. Masking Indian Indians Ranks Super Sunday Keep-N-It-Real Indian Videos. Mardi Gras is full of secrets, and the Mardi Gras Indians are as much a part of that secrecy as any other carnival organization. On Mardi Gras Day, if you're lucky enough to see some of the Mardi Gras Indians, the first Indian you're likely to see is the Spy Boy. His job places him ahead of the Big Chief's procession. Each Spy Boy has a method to signal potential trouble or approaching rival Indian tribes with dancing, whooping, hollering, and hand language. The Mardi Gras Indians are a group mainly made up of black New Orleans citizens from the inner-city. The society has a colorful history that’s well worth reading up on . Once made up of violent krewes, these now-peaceful tribes now compare their tribal song, dance and dress with other tribes as they meet that day. Downtown Indians design costumes with 3D effects, like this one with an eagle’s beak. Members of the Mardi Gras Indian tribes are African Americans – not Native Americans as the name would imply. They refer to themselves as Indians out of respect for Native Americans who sheltered runaway slaves, saving them from capture or even death. Mardi Gras 1979. Photographer Rob McClaran documented Mardi Gras in New Orleans the year of the 1979 police strike. Buffalo Bill and the Mardi Gras Indians. Buffalo Bill and his Wild West troupe visited New Orleans more than 100 years ago, but the Plains Indian pageantry is still a presence in the city's African-American communities. In 1885, Plains Indians marched in native dress on the streets of New Orleans, resulting in the first Mardi Gras Indian tribe to be formed later that year by the name of “The Creole Wild West”. Around 40 tribes participate in Mardi Gras celebrations, ranging in size from half a dozen to several dozen members. The Donald Harrison, Sr. Museum and Cultural Center (DHSMCC) serves to preserve and positively perpetuate the authentic indigenous culture of all individuals who masquerade as Mardi Gras Indians through mutually beneficial collaborations among the tradition bearers, academic institutions, individuals, organizations, and communities to foster The Mardi Gras Indian tribes of New Orleans embody a melding of Native American, Afro-Caribbean, and Afro-American culture. They have retained distinct cultural identities amid the urban environment of New Orleans. Just as other elements vary by tribe, suits are no exception. Uptown Indians tend to use more rhinestones and feathers, and are known for flat beaded designs, pulling from more Native American influences, whereas Downtown Indians often build three-dimensional structures as part of their designs, and use sequins and feathers inspired from more African Influences. *The Mardi Gras Indians are celebrated on this date (Fat Tuesday) in 1732. These African Americans participate as a cultural foundation of New Orleans and Mardi gras history. The Mardi Gras Indians are as much a part of that secret society as any other carnival organization. The heritage of the Mardi Gras Indians is an African based long and hard road, starting in late 1600's with the Indian From an article @ Perfect Sound Forever (furious.com): "Taking the second line beat of New Orleans and turning it into a party on plastic, the Wild Magnolias Indian tribe (note: not Native-American but Mardi Gras Indians) take chunks of Big Easy musical history and churn it into a stew as appealing as a good bowl of gumbo- they quote and cover During Jazz Fest, folks might see performing Indians on the Jazz & Heritage Stage or rolling through the Fairground pathways at regular intervals. But on the two most sacred Indian dates—Mardi Gras Day and St. Joseph’s Night—the individual tribes set their own schedules, routes, and priorities. The Big Chief will chant a message or a story, and the tribe members will respond in unison. This method of communication is a reminder of the strong bond that exists between the members of the tribe. The Impact of Mardi Gras Indians on New Orleans. The Mardi Gras Indian tradition has had a profound impact on New Orleans’ cultural fabric.
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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