MARDI GRAS         INDIANS
Tradition and History

Mardi Gras is full of secrets and the Mardi Gras       Indians are as much a part of that secret society as any  other carnival organization. The Mardi Gras Indians are comprised, in large part, of the blacks of New Orleans'  inner cities. They have paraded for well over a century...yet their parade is perhaps the least recognized Mardi Gras  tradition.

"TOOK  ALL THE PICTURES AT THE" jAZZFEST

Typical Mardi Gras organizations will form a krewe. A krewe often names their parade after a particular  mythological hero or Greek god. The ranking structure of  a Mardi Gras Krewe is a parody of royalty: King, Queen, Dukes, Knights and Captains...or some variation of that theme.

Few in the ghetto felt they could ever participate in  the typical NewOrleans Mardi Gras parade.historically, slavery and   racism were at the root of this cultural separation. The  black neighborhoods in New Orleans gradually developed   their own style of celebrating Mardi Gras. Their Krewes are named for imaginary Indian tribes according to the streets of their ward or gang.

The Mardi Gras Indians named themselves after native  Indians to pay them respect for their assistance in escaping the tyranny of slavery. It was often local  Indians who accepted slaves into their society when they  made a break for freedom. They have never forgotten this         support.

In the past, Mardi Gras was a violent day for many  Mardi Gras Indians. It was a day often used to settle  scores. The police were often unable to intervene due to  the general confusion surrounding Mardi Gras events in  the city...where the streets were crowded and everyone  was masked. This kept many families away from the parade,and created much worry and concern for a mother whose  child wanted to join in.

Today when two Mardi Gras Indian tribes pass one  another, you will see a living theater of art and culture.   Each tribe's style and dress is on display...in a  friendly but competitive manner, they compare one another's  craftsmanship.

The greeting of the Big Chiefs of two different tribes  often starts with a song, chant, ceremonial dance, and   threatening challenge to the Big Chief's demand that the other bow and pay respect. The retort is  a whoop and equally impressive song and war dance with         the reply, Me no Humba, YOU Humba!

Although there was a history of violence, many now  choose to keep this celebration friendly. Each Big Chief will eventually stand back and, with a theatrical display  of self-confidence, acknowledge the artistry and  craftsmanship of the other's suit.

Mardi Gras is no longer a day   to settle scores among the Mardi Gras Indians. Violence is a relic of the past. It is now Mardi Gras  tradition and practice for the Indians to simply compare    their tribal song, dance

and dress with other tribes as  they meet that day. Each Indian has invested thousands of  hours and dollars in the creation of his suit, and is not  willing to risk ruining it in a fight. This tradition,  rich with folk art and history, is now appreciated by  museums and historical societies around the world. It is         a remarkable and welcome change from the past.