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. A Mardi Gras Indian at a 2010 St. Joseph's Day celebration Derek Bridges via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY 2.0 “What it means to be Black can be a lot of things in Louisiana Big Chief Demond Melancon hand beading a part of his Mardi Gras Indian suit. (C)2019 GILES CLEMENT/DEMOND MELANCON. In 2008, after Hurricane Katrina’s devastation, Melancon returned to masking. But for Angel Chung Cutno, better known as Big Queen of the 8th Ward Black Seminole Tribe, the lead-up to Mardi Gras is about finishing her Black Masking Indian suit, a project she’s been Mardi Gras Indian suits are truly a labor of love and tradition. Justen Williams, NOTMC Learning to hand-bead with the Young Maasai Hunters at Mardi Gras Indians Sip and Sew Just as other elements vary by tribe, suits are no exception. Thus, they are consciously helping preserve an African-influenced Carnival culture that exists throughout the African Diaspora. Mardi Gras Indian culture is one that is uniquely New Orleanian and simultaneously representative of the African Diaspora, and the Queens are fully aware of this special position that makes it both local and transnational. Mardi Gras Indian culture runs deep, and not all the tribe members are men! WGNO's Stephanie Oswald had the pleasure and honor to spend time with the Big Queen of the 8th Ward Black Seminole tribe The age-old Mardi Gras Indian tradition blends elements of African and Native American heritages. And Williams isn’t just an artist inspired by Black Masking Indians — as the custom is also known. 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.” Queen Tahj, known for her intricate beadwork when creating Mardi Gras Indian suits, showcases New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian culture after being asked to create both the theme art and logo for Courtesy of Syndey Byrd. Mardi Gras Indian Girl. Byrd, Syndey (Photographer) Additional Data Fleurty Girl is the original New Orleans unique boutique of thoughtfully curated goods. Established in 2009, Fleurty Girl now offers 8 individual shops, each featuring a large selection of locally-inspired products and fast shipping. Eat, Drink & Shop with Fleurty Girl! Big Chief Juan Carlos Pardo smiles as he dances with members of his tribe the Golden Comanche including Spy Boy James Rusty Baker, right, after a walk through Central City on Mardi Gras day in New Check out our mardi gras indian art selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our prints shops. In a Mardi Gras Indian tribe, the spyboy functions as the eyes of the big chief. Usually stationed several blocks ahead of the chief, his job is to scout out or “spy” other Mardi Gras Indian tribes in the vicinity, then signal the flagboy or gang flag, who in turn relays the information to the chief. A girl receives a toy from a passing float during the first day of Mardi Gras celebrations in 2006. Second Chief "Lil Bo" performs with the Wild Magnolias Mardi Gras Indian gang in the French Beaded Mardi Gras Indian Original Painting by Gator Girl Art (128) $ 1,050.00 Mardi Gras Indian - NOLA, Pen and Ink Sketch, Colored Indian Suite, New Orleans MARDI GRAS INDIAN. MARDI GRAS INDIAN (Selman) 2014 (YOU GLOW GIRL X COUNCIL FIRE) 40" M DOR 6" TET. Vibrant orange red with red eye and ruffled edge over yellow to green throat. MARDI GRAS INDIAN has 40 inch scapes with four-way branching and 24 well-placed buds. It has impeccable plant habit and extraordinarily beautiful foliage. MARDI GRAS INDIAN $ 25.00. SELMAN - 2014 (You Glow Girl x Council Fire) Vibrant orange red with red eye and ruffled edge over yellow to green throat.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |