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Mardi Gras Indian culture is a form of Black creative resistance to the white supremacy of colonialism and represents a rejection of white carnival norms. [f] 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 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. "Mardi Gras Indians are secretive because only certain people participated in masking--people with questionable character. In the old day, the Indians were violent. Indians would meet on Mardi Gras; it was a day to settle scores." - Larry Bannock, Past President, New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Council *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 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. 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 fascinating subculture of New Orleans. They are hierarchical, territorial tribes in African-American communities and give themselves names like Wild Magnolias, Creole 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 Montana was greeted by a massive throng when he came out on Mardi Gras for his golden anniversary in 1997. That summer, the New Orleans Museum of Art stepped up with the exhibition He’s the Prettiest: A Tribute to Big Chief Allison “Tootie” Montana’s Fifty Years of Mardi Gras Indian Suiting. It was the first time Mardi Gras Indian The crown is the elaborate headdress worn by Mardi Gras Indians. The Big Chief, the highest-ranking Mardi Gras Indian in each tribe, can have a headdress that weighs upwards of 40 pounds — some African-Americans in the city have paraded in spectacular regalia inspired by Native American motifs for more than a century. The song of the Mardi Gras Indians exudes joy, defiance — and mystery. 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". 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. Mardi Gras is a Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon that dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. It's most famously celebrated with parades in New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians gather to celebrate ''Super Sunday'' in Uptown New Orleans with a parade in which they compete for ''prettiest costume'' in their traditional feathered and hand-beaded suits and CONTACT THE MARDI GRAS INDIAN SHOW. 1920 St. Claude Ave New Orleans LA 70116. 504-975-2434. info@mardigrasindianshow.com Mardi Gras Indians use beading to create intricate panels on their suits. Mardi Gras Indian - Mardi Gras Indians are African American men, women, and children in New Orleans who are part of tribes (also referred to as gangs) that mask in elaborately hand-beaded and feathered suits inspired by Indigenous and West African ceremonial dress. The Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame works year-round to create community among, honor, and educate about the individuals and groups who create and uphold the arts and culture of the Mardi Gras Indians of New Orleans. Click on the Mardi Gras krewes below for further information about the krewe and to see their usual route for each parade. Please note: Events and activities are subject to change without notice. Stay tuned to the site for further info.
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Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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