Mardi Gras Indians

The Mardi Gras Indian tradition, perhaps one of the least recognised, dates back to around 1718. At that time, runaway slaves from the transatlantic slave trade were taken in, protected, and hidden by the indigenous people in the Louisiana area. Throughout the years, African and Native American cultures began to mix, creating a new masking tradition. In West African culture, the use of masking, beads, and feathers is widespread. Similarly, celebratory headdresses and outfits are common in Native American traditions. Each suit, through the use of hand-sewn patches and handcrafted feathers, aims to tell a story.

In New Orleans, traditionally, Mardi Gras krewes were white only, excluding African Americans from their parades and opulent balls. Some events were open to members and others by invitation only. Historically, slavery and racism were at the root of this cultural separation, and few in the ghetto felt they could ever participate in the typical New Orleans parade. Therefore, the Black neighbourhoods gradually developed their own style of celebrating Mardi Gras. Their krewes are named after imaginary Indian tribes to pay Natives Americans respect for their assistance in escaping the cruelty of slavery.

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