The Tribe
Black Masking Indians operate under a unique hierarchy, with the Big Chief reigning supreme. In larger tribes, the hierarchy expands to include a First and Second Chief, a Medicine Man, a Queen, and the Wild Man, all encircling the Big Chief. The lower ranks are filled by the Flag and Spy Boys, each playing a crucial role in the tribe's functioning. Each tribe typically has ten to twenty, sometimes more, members voluntarily. Some will stay in their position for a lifetime. Others will move up in the ranks or move on to start a new tribe. There are over forty tribes in New Orleans, and many of the current Big Chiefs have been masking since they were young children and are passing the torches on to a new generation. Icons like Allison "Tootie" Montana passed his crown to his son in the early 2000s after holding it for over five decades.
Photo By: MJ Mastrogiovanni, 2024 Black Hatchets
The Transformation
Ask any Black Masking Indian, and they will tell you that putting on a suit is a spiritual transformation. They channel the spirits of their heritage and ancestors, becoming filled with a sense of purpose and meaning. Every year, they reveal another part of their ancestry and soul to their community, showing the beauty and artistry of their new creation. As it has for two hundred years, the day begins with a call to arms from the North Side Skull and Bone Gang traversing the streets of Treme in the predawn hours, singing their tribal song and shouting their motto, “You Next.” Soon after, the Tribes and their Big Chiefs appear, transforming their everyday persona into other beings. The Big Chiefs are considered the strongest, toughest, proudest leaders in their community, and it shows.
Indian Red
Before the procession begins, the tribe gathers around the Big Chief to sing the Black Masking Anthem, Indian Red. It is a spiritual, uplifting song to rally the tribe for the coming day. Once complete, The Big Chief gives the direction he wants, and the parade starts with the Spy Boys leading the pack. Spy Boys will remain two to three blocks ahead of the Big Chief, scouting for rival tribes. The Second Line closely follows the Big Chief and his court, acting as the rhythm section and a line of defense, preventing anyone from sneaking up on the Big Chief from behind. When the Spy Boy spots a rival tribe, he signals to the Flag Boy(s), who will then signal back to the Wild Man with their flag. The Wild Man, closest to the Big Chief, will then clear an area for the Big Chiefs to meet for their symbolic battle.
The Battle
The battle can be over as quickly as it starts or performed for an extended time. The Chiefs will greet each other, demanding the other with a chant of "Humba." The traditional response is, "No Me Humba, You Humba." Humba in Creole means to get or bow down. There are many reasons why a Big Chief will refuse the command; it is a matter of pride and honor. Though, let us remember he may be wearing a suit that weighs one hundred pounds or more. Indian parades will proceed this way for hours, walking up and down the back streets of New Orleans and performing renditions of their ancestral call-and-response chants to the sound of percussion, tambourines, and sometimes brass instruments.
Photo By: MJ Mastrogiovanni. 2024 Big Chief Robair of the Black Hatchets