Mardi Gras Indians - New Orleans
Mardi Gras Wild Man in New Orleans on Mardi Gras Day. His status is evident from the horns used in his "suit" which is entirely designed and sewn anew annually by the individuals who participate in this festival. New Orleans, 1988 |
 |
|
 |
http://www.wgbh.org/wgbh/pages/pri/spirit/specials/masks.html http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/mardigrasindians/ http://www.icorp.net/carnival/ http://www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/5135/index.html http://www.wwoz.org/links/index.html |
|
 |
 |
|
| Mardi Gras Spy Boys are the first line of the drama. Their job is to seek out other "gangs" or "tribes" on Mardi Gras day. The information is signaled to the Big Chief by Flag Boys. The Chief then makes the decision whether to interact and begin the challenge competition. |
||
 |
 |
|
| Waiting for the Big Chief of the Black Eagles early Mardi Gras day. The "suits" are original every year and this is the moment of the awaited debut. |
||
 |
Being able to "come out" with a new suit every year gives the participants prestige and respect in their neighborhoods. Being able to also outfit an offspring or young relative adds additional respect. |  |
 |
 |
|
| The Big Chief's suit includes a huge head dress and is so heavy that a helper often follows to carry it for him periodically. The tribe is on the move seeking another tribe so that a challenge can be made. The tribes compete with sewing the best suits, most original designs and colors, number of gang members, dancing and chanting Mardi Gras Indian songs and dances to the percussion music. Time for more formality. The Big Chief is about to put on a show in full regalia. March 1993 |
||