Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Home
Pagan
Battles and Big Chiefs: More History of the Mardi Gras Indians

Battles and Big Chiefs: More History of the Mardi Gras Indians

Last updated on: February 28, 2014 at 9:11 pm by Lilith Dorsey

Battles and Big Chiefs: More History of the Mardi Gras Indians 2014-02-28T21:11:23-05:00 Lilith Dorsey

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Skeleton Rifle Indian photo by Infrogmation of New Orleans. Text added. Licensed under CC 2.0

As I started writing about in my last post, the Mardi Gras Indians are one of the most fascinating and intense facets of Carnival in New Orleans. There are a lot of reasons the tradition continues and people still “mask as Indian.” Back in the day the tribes or gangs as they were called back then, would do actual battle in the street. Rival gangs fought it out with fists, knives, hatchets or worse, and there was much fear surrounding these altercations. The Violence came to an end however, with the man known as the chief of chiefs, Big Chief Allison “Tootie” Montana. He turned everyone’s focus towards the beauty and artistry of the suits, and made the competition about who was “the prettiest.” In 1987 he was made a National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellow, in recognition of his work. He turned the focus from combat to art, that fact alone is enough to make him a legend. Throughout his life he continued to struggle for the rights of the Mardi Gras Indians. His story is profiled artfully in the documentary

Tootie’s Last Suit

The newspaper report of his death states, “On June 27, the night of Mr. Montana’s death, the City Council convened a hearing to address reports of police harassment on March 19, St. Joseph’s night, which Mardi Gras Indians consider sacred. Mr. Montana, a small man, stepped to the lectern and asked other chiefs in the room to stand behind him. He said that historically, the police had treated Mardi Gras Indians roughly. “I want this to stop,” he said, looking directly at the Council and top police officials. He then collapsed and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead of a heart attack.” July 11, 2005 New York Times

His legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of the people, the great man remembered as the “Chief of Chiefs.”

Big Chief… You the Prettiest!

Queens outside David Montana’s house, Mardi Gras 2013. Photo by Lilith Dorsey

Leading all the spyboys, the flagboys, the wildmen and the queens are the Big Chiefs. They function not only as leaders of the tribe but as patriarchs for the entire community. Big Chief David Montana, “Tootie’s” nephew, talks about how he lives, creates and rolls out from his home where his parents once resided, “There’s a Spirit there.” The glory and the majesty that rolls out from his house is truly a sight to behold.

There is Big Chief Donald Harrison , world renowned as both a Jazz performer and leader of the Congo Square Nation Afro-New Orleans Cultural Group. He graces the March issue of Offbeat magazine in his fantastic pink panther suit. I was fortunate enough to meet him a few years back and he is one of the most

Big Chief Donald Harrison and author Lilith Dorsey, photo by Lilith Dorsey

talented, respectful and powerful people I have ever worked with. I applaud his decision to name his group the “Congo Square Nation Afro-New Orleans Cultural Group,” which he explains gives honor to both the Afro-diasporan tradition, and Congo Square. Regular readers of this blog know Congo Square was a traditional site for ceremonies led by Marie Laveau, as well as social and cultural gatherings for Native people, slaves and immigrants alike.

On Mardi Gras Day maybe you will be lucky enough to see some Indians. Locals recommend checking the paper or asking around. Suits are on display at the Backstreet Cultural Museum in the Treme, and if you can check out The House of Dance and Feathers in the 9th Ward, more information is available on their facebook pages.

The Mardi Gras Indians are the prettiest, baddest, the toughest… they used their wit, wisdom, and artistry to keep their heritage and themselves alive. They have been here for hundreds of years, and most likely will continue for hundreds more with their fine feathers. Dance on my friends in all your crowning glory!

Previous Post

February 27, 2014

Why the Mardi Gras Indians Won't Bow Down

Next Post

March 3, 2014 A Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau Musicology

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Ancestors astrology Candomble Crystals Divination Entertainment Goddess Herbs Hoodoo Ifa Pagan Ritual Recipes Santeria Spells Uncategorized Vodou Voodoo Witchcraft

Select a Month May 2025 January 2025 September 2024 August 2024 April 2024 March 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 September 2023 June 2023 March 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 January 2022 November 2021 October 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What did King Nebuchadnezzar order everyone to worship?

Select your answer to see how you score.

A golden statue His crown A lion The sun