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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. "Iko Iko" (/ ˈ aɪ k oʊ ˈ aɪ k oʊ /) is a much-covered New Orleans song that tells of a parade collision between two tribes of Mardi Gras Indians and the traditional confrontation. The song, under the original title "Jock-A-Mo", was written and released in 1953 as a single by James "Sugar Boy" Crawford and his Cane Cutters but it failed to Gang Flag. In a Mardi Gras Indian tribe or “gang,” the gang flag is responsible for relaying information or “signals” to and from the big chief. Also known as the flag boy or flag, he typically carries a decorated staff or totem emblazoned with the tribe’s name or some other signifier. The Mardi Gras Indians symbolize a unique connection between African and Indigenous heritage in the Crescent City. Subscribe To Newsletters. Spy Boy and Flag Boy. "It’s an honor. It’s Music that ignites dancing Both hierarchical and territorial, there are over 40 Black Masking Indian tribes throughout the city of New Orleans, including the Wild Magnolias, the Young Maasai Hunters, the Wild Tchoupitoulas, Bayou Renegades, and the Golden Feather Hunters. Each tribe has positions among its members such as Big Chief, Big Queen, Spy Boy, and Flag Boy. Mardi Gras Indians in 2011 Derek Bridges via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY 2.0. Following the tribes boast a big chief, a queen and a banner-brandishing flag boy, among other roles. Spy Boys, Flag Boys & Big Chiefs. Photographer Steve Mann shows us the pagentry of the Mardi Gras Indians. All photos by Steve Mann < Back to Main Story . Spy Boy - An individual whose role in a Mardi Gras Indian tribe is to scout out and look out for other Mardi Gras Indian tribes. They use signals to let the gang know another tribe is coming. Flag Boy - An individual whose role in a Mardi Gras Indian tribe is to carry a flag with the name of the tribe. The Mardi Gras Indians came to the world’s attention in 1965, when New Orleans girl group The Dixie Cups struck pop-music gold with “Iko Iko” (a cover of 1953’s “Jock-A-Mo,” by Sugar Spy Boy - An individual whose role in a Mardi Gras Indian tribe is to scout out and look out for other Mardi Gras Indian tribes. They use signals to let the gang know another tribe is coming. Flag Boy - An individual whose role in a Mardi Gras Indian tribe is to carry a flag with the name of the tribe. Each tribe has a hierarchy with specific functions for each role–the Big Chief, Big Queen, Spy Boy, Flag Boy, and Wild Man. They meet up on Mardi Gras Day, invoking ancestral chants, prompting Queer Screen’s Mardi Gras Film Festival; Progress Pride Flag Raising; Marks Park Sunrise; Oxtravaganza; Family Zone at Oxtravaganza; Darlo Big Drag Brunch; Queer Contemporary; Feeling Afraid As if Something Terrible Is Going to Happen; Mardi Gras Plus; Plan your Festival experience; Join the Festival. 2025 Parade applications; Fair Day 2025 And your grandma was sitting by the fire my grandma told your grandma I'm going to set your flag on fire talking about me now look at my king all dressed in red I go I go one day I bet you $5 you'll kill your day talking about hey now hey now hey now hey now I go I go one day oh you. Modern day tribes are organized with specific roles for each member. The “big chief” is the tribal leader, followed by “second chiefs” and “queens.” Marching several blocks ahead of the tribe is the “spy boy.” He relays information to the “flag boy,” who notifies the chief by waving a flag or stick. [Large flag] You will receive a large size 3x5 ft/90 x 150 cm mardi gras flag. [High quality materials] Our mardi gras flag is made of quality and durable polyester cloth fabric, waterproof, lightweight, double stitched all around the edge with nice craftsmanship. [Nice & Creative Design]: The mardi gras flag has 2 brass grommets, easy to hang. Mardi Gras Decorations Mardi Gras Garden House Flag Fabric Double Sided, Mardi Gras Party Outdoor Decorative Classic Design House Flag Banner for Yard Lawn, 18.5 x 12.6 Inch 4.7 out of 5 stars 489 2nd Album from Flagboy Giz from the world famous Wild Tchoupitoulas Mardi Gras Indians. This album is fully mastered by Raj Smoove the Greatest DJ in the WORLD. 12 tracks Produced by DJ Emynd, DJ Mannie Fresh, Flagboy Giz, and Grammy Nominated Big Chief Peanut. Mardi Gras Indians in 2011 Derek Bridges via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY 2.0. Following the tribes boast a big chief, a queen and a banner-brandishing flag boy, among other roles. 60. What is the name of the Mardi Gras parade featuring elaborate floats with mythical themes? Reveal Answer The Mystic Krewe of Nyx 61. What is the traditional role of the ‘Flag Boy’ in Mardi Gras Indian culture? Reveal Answer To carry the tribe’s flag and lead the procession 62.
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