With mock warfare came elaborate costumes, or suits, for the elders of each tribe. Intricate bead work that can take hundreds of man-hours and a year to complete, and spectacular colored plumage, highlight carnival attire. Today's suits can cost up to $25,000.
It's important that each year a new suit is created. The re-positioning of beadwork patches from last years suit to save time is tolerated only once. If the same work appears a third time, respect plummets. It's amazing that, as intricate as the beading can be, people can remember past patterns to determine if the suit is completely original.
Order of Battle
Generally, each tribe has a Big Chief who is the heart and soul of his people. He is followed by a Second Chief, Wildman, Flagboy, and Spyboy. The Spyboy is the tribes scout. He precedes the group and hunts for other parading rivals. When two tribes collide, the maskers face off, starting with the Spyboys, and continuing up the ladder until it's chief vs. chief.
On The Battle Front
As they face off, the suits, the posture, the presence of each combatant determine the winner. Words, chants, dancing, beading, attitude, and bravado are the weapons in this battle. At some point during the Big Chiefs face off, a winner is acknowledged and the two tribes move on to find new adversaries.
Battle Anthems
Another weapon Mardi Gras Indians posses is music. Tribes march to the funky groove of a bass drum surrounded by other drummers and tambourine players. Some parades include a street brass band. They step down the road chanting "Injuns Here Dey Come", "Shoo Fly Don't Bother Me", "Get Out Da Way", and "Hey Pocky Way", among other anthems.
Behind the elders and the band is the Second Line. These are friends, family and bystanders who join the parade. Everywhere else in America, you sit and watch a parade pass. In New Orleans, you join a Mardi Gras Indian parade and accompany them on their search for rivals. "Second liners", famous for wild dancing and extreme boogie-age, are not tactically involved in battle, but they are integral to the party.
Some tribes have recorded their songs and chants. The Wild Magnolias, with Big Chief Bo Dollis, are the world ambassadors of Mardi Gras Indian music. Big Chief Jolly and the Wild Tchoupitoulas were the beginnings of the Neville Brothers. Brass bands like the Rebirth Brass Band and the Treme Brass Band keep the groove alive.
Experiencing the Mardi Gras Indians
Because of the secrecy of the parade routes at carnival time, you must hunt for the action. This makes it difficult for most to see these rituals. The next best place to see the Indians perform is at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival held at the end of April every year. Tribes parade through the fairgrounds and perform onstage. The The Wild Magnolias tour constantly, so you don't necessarily have to travel to New Orleans to hear Mardi Gras Indian music. But who would not want to go to New Orleans?
