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Mardi Gras Indians: Wearable Art Battles Royal
17 Aug
Summary
- Mardi Gras Indian suits are intricate, year-long creations.
- Tribes battle for 'prettiest' status, judged by crowds.
- Tradition honors Native Americans and Black community expression.
In New Orleans, Mardi Gras day features a spectacular display by the Black Masking Indians, also known as Mardi Gras Indians. These revelers wear elaborate, meticulously crafted suits covered in beads, feathers, and rhinestones, which are created over the course of an entire year.
Big chiefs, the leaders of the tribes, often wear the most impressive suits. During the parades, tribes seek each other out for a friendly competition to be declared the "prettiest," with crowds acting as judges. This tradition, believed to date back to the 1800s, serves as a tribute to Native Americans who aided escaped enslaved people and as an artistic outlet for the Black community.
Key figures in the procession include the spy boy, who scouts for rival tribes; the flag boy, who communicates signals; and the wild man, who clears a space for the big chiefs' showdown. These roles are vital for the tribes' organization and the ritualistic "battles" that highlight their community's pride and artistry.
