The Mardi Gras Indians (also known as Black Masking Indians or Black Maskers) [a] are African American carnival revelers in New Orleans, Louisiana, known for their elaborate suits and participation in Mardi Gras.

Who are New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians? One of the most mysterious, fascinating, and colorful pieces of New Orleans’ cultural quilt belongs to Mardi Gras Indians, also referred to as Black Masking Indians.

Feb 21, 2023 · Scholars generally agree that the Mardi Gras Indian tradition is linked to early encounters between the region’s Native and Black communities. Founded by the French in 1718, the city of New...

The Mardi Gras Indians are comprised, in large part, of the African-American communities of New Orleans's inner city. While these Indians have paraded for well over a century, their parade is perhaps the least recognized Mardi Gras tradition.

Feb 25, 2014 · There are 30 to 40 Mardi Gras Indian tribes of various sizes in New Orleans. Each tribe has a "big chief" and one or two (second and third) other chiefs. The big chief must know how to design...

Mar 4, 2024 · Beginning around 1732, Blacks became a cultural foundation of New Orleans and Mardi Gras's history. The Mardi Gras Indians are as much a part of that secret society as any other carnival organization. The heritage of the Mardi Gras Indians is …

Discover the fascinating history of Mardi Gras Indians, a vibrant tradition blending African and Native American cultures in New Orleans.

Some of the most glittering spectacles of Mardi Gras happen behind closed doors at grand balls thrown by krewes for their members and lucky guests. Discover a brief history of the unique and historically rooted culture of Mardi Gras Indians (also known as …

Feb 14, 2023 · These are unique cultural products that can all be seen in one of the country’s greatest cities, New Orleans, and its secretive subset of Carnival culture, the Black masking Indians. New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian culture was born out of necessity.

Mardi Gras Indian - Mardi Gras Indians are African American men, women, and children in New Orleans who are part of tribes (also referred to as gangs) that mask in elaborately hand-beaded and feathered suits inspired by Indigenous and West African ceremonial dress.