Our History, Black History: Mardi Gras Indians

There’s an old adage, “You never know where you are going unless you know where you have been.” In the spirit of Black history month, the Monroe Dispatch will highlight stories and history of Black people that are not commonly known. Much of Black history is preserved through oral storytelling, which is passed down from generation to generation. The story of the Mardi Gras Indians reflects the layered history between Louisiana’s Black population and the Indigenous people of North America. In the early 1700s, some Blacks fled highly populated areas of our state, moving to and through the bayous of Louisiana in attempts to escape slavery and oppression. Many Blacks met Native Americans or Indians, who lived scattered across the marshy lands on their journey. Relationships were formed as Indians often guided and protected Blacks in their journey. A beautiful bond was created and celebrated as two cultures merged during a significant period of turmoil for both. The merging of cultures became incredibly significant in the 1740s in New Orleans’ Congo Square. The Congo Square was known for its Sunday celebrations of African music and dance. It was the only time and place when enslaved Africans, freed Blacks, and Indigenous people could come together. After the Sunday celebration, each respective party would return to their individual lives. When Mardi Gras clubs and celebrations were initially created, Blacks were not allowed to participate. Forced to segregate, Blacks created Carnivals for their communities that mimicked celebrations in Caribbean and South American cultures. Carnivals paid homage to ancestors, including the Native Indians who helped Blacks. As time went on, tribes were formed to represent different communities, and each tribe created costumes to reflect their ancestry. In the 1960s, the rivalry between Mardi Gras Indians started much violence. Allison Montana, known as the “Chief of Chiefs, " helped to forge peace in the community. From then on, the Indians battled only over which tribe could create the most beautiful beadwork and artistry in performance each year. Every year members of the tribes spend an entire year hand beading and sewing fabrics, beading, and feathers. Their garments, which can sometimes weigh over 100 pounds, cost thousands of dollars to produce. Most Indians do their own work, and each costume created is only worn for one year. Tribes meet one another in what is known as “war games”. The crowd judges the competing tribes based on the creativity and excitement each tribe brings to each “war”. The poetic performances always draw crowds who often travel with the tribes along their routes, recording performances and celebration. To date, there are over 50 Mardi Gras Indian tribes, all with their own history, traditions, and style. Each tribe has members that have different responsibilities. The Spy Boy is the tribe member who goes ahead of the tribe to look out, giving time to trash talk and prepare the crowd for the Big Chief. The Flag Boy is responsible for passing signals from the front and back of the tribe. The Wild Man is the protector of the Chief. The Big Chief is the leader of the tribe and one of the longest-tenured masked members of the group.

The best time to see the Mardi Gras Indians (aside from actual Mardi Gras festivities) is on Saint Joseph Day, also known as Super Sunday, traditionally the third Sunday of March. Otherwise, the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Council shares dates when the Indians will make appearances. The Indians also make appearances for special occasions like weddings and funerals. Although the state has canceled the many Mardi Gras parades and balls, the Mardi Gras Indians are holding small ceremonies throughout the streets of New Orleans. For the Indians, Mardi Gras represents a sacred time to celebrate the rich heritage of Blacks. When asked, many modern-day Indians always speak about the importance of continuing the legacy of the ancestors.