[3] [4] [5] The Mardi Gras Indians' tradition is considered part of the African diasporan decorative aesthetic, and is an African-American art form. [6] [7] The Mardi Gras Indian tradition developed as a form of cultural resistance when traditional African religions were banned and Black people could not gather in public or wear masks. [1] Despite its name, the Mardi Gras Indian tradition is a distinctly African American one (a fact that has sparked questions of whether the moniker is appropriate and, more broadly, if the practice The Mardi Gras Indians are comprised, in large part, of the African-American communities of New Orleans's inner city. While these Indians have paraded for well over a century, their parade is perhaps the least recognized Mardi Gras tradition. "Mardi Gras Indians--the parade most white people don't see. 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. The Mardi Gras Indians take their costume design cues from both Native American and West African traditions, with a distinctly local twist. Thousands of hours, thousands of dollars and thousands of beads and feathers go into each suit, many of which tell stories of African and African-American history in their designs. 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. It was the first time Mardi Gras Indian regalia had ever been displayed at the prestigious museum. Big Chief Lil Walter Cook His Choctaw lineage has always made him feel more deeply connected to the Mardi Gras Indian tradition, while also inspiring him to craft regalia from materials procured from Native tribes including bones, porcupine quills The “Mardi Gras Indian Museum” The “Mardi Gras Indian Museum,” located in New Orleans, is a testament to the importance of preserving the tradition. The museum houses a collection of costumes, headdresses, and other artifacts, showcasing the history and artistry of Mardi Gras Indians. The Future of Mardi Gras Indians The increased attendance at Indian parades on Mardi Gras Day and especially the proliferation of official cultural presentations—museum exhibitions of costumes, Indian parades at local festivals, concert performances of traditional chanting—owe much to the ongoing popularity of Indian music. Some of those traditions include the Black Masking Indians, the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, which is an actual parading group. They ride on floats and have throws. And we also have the Northside Skull and Bones Group, which is a skeleton group. They are the first in Black Mardi Gras traditions to come out on Mardi Gras day. After Reconstruction, the Mardi Gras Indian tradition became more representative of the African-Americans who take part each year: an expression of self-love and self-pride, with an emphasis on The Mardi Gras Indians are comprised, in large part, of the African-American communities of New Orleans's inner city. While these Indians have paraded for well over a century, their parade is perhaps the least recognized Mardi Gras tradition. "Mardi Gras Indians--the parade most white people don't see. 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 According to Chief Zulu, the Mardi Gras Indian tradition dates back to around 1718. Runaway slaves from the transatlantic slave trade were taken in, protected, and hidden by the indigenous people The distinct syncopation of the New Orleans second line or parade beat; the African-derived rhythms found in early jazz compositions; the Mardi Gras Indian tradition of integrated drumming/rhythm, song and dance; the waiving of handkerchiefs while dancing — all of these had precedents in the “transcultural exchange” that developed at One thing is certain; the Mardi Gras Indian tradition is one that is distinctly African American and only exists in New Orleans. The Mardi Gras Indian tradition is linked to the early encounters between New Orleans Native and Black communities. Founded by the French in 1718, New Orleans sits on the native lands of the Chitimacha Tribe. The Mardi Gras Indian tradition is rooted in a legacy of resistance. Enslaved Africans, escaping the dehumanizing violence of the plantation, found hospice with Native Americans. The Mardi Gras Indian tribes are noted for their exquisite costumes, public performances at Carnival, and their musical contributions. Monogram Hunters Mardi Gras Indian, middle, and an Indian with the Red Flame Hunters, walk through the streets on Mardi Gras Day February 9, 2016. (Photos by Kathleen Flynn, NOLA.com l The Times The New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Council always has their Indian Sunday on the third Sunday of March, around St. Joseph's Day. Their festivities begin at noon in A.L. Davis Park (at Washington & LaSalle Streets) where the Mardi Gras Indians once again dress in their feathers and suits and take to the streets to meet other "gangs". *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
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