Black Masking Indians of Mardi Gras
Abstract:
The Black Masking Indians of New Orleans are a vibrant cultural phenomenon unique to New Orleans, Louisiana, its history dating back more than three hundred years. Centered around Carnival, activities of the Black Masking Indians are rooted in Creole, Amerindian, and Caribbean fusion of music, dance, and culture, celebrating and honoring bonds of friendship. Once an act of rebellion in slave-era America, masking turned into an event to settle grievances between tribes in the Jim Crow South before taking on the pageantry of today. Practioners spend countless hours creating unique suits and passing on the craft to younger generations. This folk group has been a beacon of hope, building communities across greater New Orleans.
What is Carnival and Masking?
Carnival, or Shrovetide, is a three-day Christian celebration, with roots traced as far back as Roman Saturnalia, taking place in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday. The festival begins on Shrove Sunday and culminates on Tuesday, Mardi Gras Day. Mardi Gras Day is the last day of extraordinary indulgence, feasting, drinking, and revelry before the season of Lent begins. The celebration is only complete with masquerading or Masking. Practiced for centuries, Masking is a reversal ritual that allows people to cast aside identities, societal norms, and racial and class divides for a short time. Empowering and a source of hope, Masking is a spiritual transformation combined. Enslaved people from West Africa brought their masking traditions to America via the Caribbean, where they joined with Amerindian and French Creole traditions. The dance, music, Masking, and general revelry were a way for them to maintain their cultural heritage while rebelling and fighting to overcome the “system.” In New Orleans, the practice has evolved into ornate, elaborate suit construction, described by many as a spiritual process in and of itself. The transformation comes on Mardi Gras Day when the wearer dons their creation, revealing it for the world to bask in its glory.
