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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 28, 2010 7:27:24 GMT
There is a new television series on HBO called Treme, named after a neighborhood in New Orleans. The show features lots of the music for which New Orleans is famous, and one of the main characters is chief of one the Mardi Gras Indian tribes or "gangs". In the most recent episode, a deceased member of this group is honored with a traditional song of the Indians. A friend of mine called me, completely enthralled with the music and wanting to know what it meant. After explaining as best I could, and looking up stuff online for her, it occurred to me that the beauty and pageantry of the Indians should be featured here. None of these are my own pictures. I imagine Casimira will have something to add to this thread, and might have photos if we're lucky. Click on the pic for more info about the Treme neighborhood -->Here are some photos of the costumes, but nothing really does justice to the amazing invention and workmanship of these feather, sequin, and otherwise bedecked creations. The "suits" as they are called, are designed and sewed by the men who will wear them. It is a West African tradition to signal respect for one's host by dressing like them at ritual celebrations. There is strong evidence that the costumes of modern day Mardi Gras Indians are a cross between Africa ritual costumes and that of the Native American. ...
The Black Indian nation is loosely organized into what was originally called, "gangs", now called and known as "tribes", which labor all year long ... creating magnificent "suits" consisting of intricate hand beading , false gems and stones, and decorative feathers and plumes as well as symbolic accouterments like rifles sticks (staffs), shields and tribal flags. They wear long braided wigs or wear tied bandanas on their heads ... rest of the above & lots of history here. Even though the Indians' two big days are Mardi Gras and "Super Sunday" -- the Sunday nearest St. Joseph's Day -- because of their status as a major part of New Orleans culture, the Indians can be seen in their finery on the Fairgrounds during the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival. Big Chief Darryl Montana of the Yellow Pocahontas ... will be on hand to demonstrate the intricate beadwork used in creating the abstract designs which are characteristic of the downtown Indian tribes. He carries on the tradition of his father, Big Chief Allison “Tootie” Montana ... His 2009 suit, named “Tribute to Joyce” in honor of his mother, who is highly respected and much-loved in the Mardi Gras Indian community, will be on display for both Festival weekends.  Rita Johnson is Big Queen of the Mohawk Hunters, a tribe based in Algiers. 2009 marks the first year that West Bank Mardi Gras Indian Tribes are being represented at Jazz Fest. Queen Rita has been masking Indian for many years, and while in the Grandstand will be demonstrating the beading skills she has acquired since the age of 15. She will also be discussing the role of the Big Queen, Mardi Gras Indian traditions, and how these traditions have evolved. Queen Rita plans to wear some of her suits while demonstrating, another first for the Grandstand. quotes on Big Chief Darryl and Queen Rita from this pageFrom the clothing, I'm guessing this film was made in the 1970s. It's an excellent mini-history of the Black Indians. This is an enjoyable video showing how the suits are made and two people who make them. |
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 28, 2010 7:46:21 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2010 18:13:25 GMT
I am impressed by your approach to this Bixa. I confess to being so jaded on the subject that it is difficult for me to be objective about. Someday, when I have a scanner and lots of time,I will tackle the piles of wonderful photos that T. has taken over the years,many,many of the Indians. Having known so many of these folks personally over the years,many who have passed on,I can't even begin to describe the amount of work.love,and creativity devoted to this long tradition. Perhaps I will take some pics out at the Fest this weekend,but,I am debating on leaving the camera at home so that I can just relax and take in the music.  |
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 28, 2010 18:25:48 GMT
Ah, thanks! My friend's reaction to the music and learning of the Indians made me realize anew what a fabulous piece of American culture this is.
Photos or not, any tales you or T. have to share would be wonderful.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2010 18:31:26 GMT
I need to ask T. about the one fellow that he got to know real well and some of his stories. The thing that is most impressive to me is that every year they make a new suit. ( is the name of a song)You wouldn't be caught dead wearing something from a previous year.
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Post by gertie on Apr 28, 2010 19:01:00 GMT
Bixa, what a wonderful post, really enjoyed the youtubes. Casimira, we'd love to see some of your pictures. So much creativity and loving care in each of those amazing suits. I hope someone somewhere has a few on display still. Last I was down to N'Orleans was before Katrina. I've hesitated because of the stories friends there have to tell still of how things are. Perhaps I will just go down for a visit sometime soon after all.
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 29, 2010 3:23:35 GMT
Gertie, thank you so much. I am tickled that you enjoyed this. Your comments about visiting reminded me to check on The Backstreet Cultural Museum. So much of it was wrecked after Katrina, I was almost afraid to look it up now. As you'll see from the link above and from these glowing reviews, the museum is thriving and well worth seeing. (not on the subject, but reading this article from today's NYTimes might convince you that you're overdue for a visit to N.O. and its restaurants.) The images below are just two from the Back Street Cultural Museum's gallery.  |
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Post by bixaorellana on Apr 30, 2010 7:12:01 GMT
I've been trying without success to find some really old photos of the Indians. In the meantime, check out Christopher Porché West's site. Please click on the picture to view his remarkable portofolio of Mardi Gras Indians Studio Portraits ~~~>> And click on this picture for the many moods of the Indians as they strut their stuff on the street. <<~~~ |
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Post by lola on May 1, 2010 15:32:38 GMT
Wonderful, bixa. Thank you.
I have to wonder how they store these in between, fragile as they must be. Our local Art Museum displays a few of these.
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Post by bixaorellana on May 1, 2010 19:27:48 GMT
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Post by Jazz on May 12, 2010 22:09:47 GMT
Well, I'm certainly not jaded, since I was totally unaware. Wonderful! Somehow, I missed this thread and am working my way through the links. The costumes are beautiful.
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Post by bixaorellana on May 13, 2010 0:05:24 GMT
Oh, thank you, Jazz. Isn't that whole thinking in the round when making the suits amazing?
You'll see in the OP that a Big Queen is mentioned. However, if you go on youtube or google, you'll be hard pressed to find information on the women involved in this culture.
I was most pleased to find this:
Cherice Harrison-Nelson is an educator, artist, and third generation Mardi Gras Indian. She is member of the Guardians of the Flame Cultural Arts Society and curator of the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame.
During Fall 2009, Cherice is a Visiting Scholar at Newcomb College Center for Research on Women, and is collaborating with Sophielab on a series of short films exploring the creative process of making her suit for 2010, her work mentoring and teaching Young Guardians of the Flame, and the roles and responsibilities women and girls assume in Mardi Gras Indian culture.
Here are five minutes of her speaking about the role of women and about art:
There are some nice shots of the Indians, but very few of women!
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