Black Masking Indians: A historical New Orleans Carnival tradition

Many people may not know, but one of the most popular Black Carnival traditions of New Orleans started out of resistance.

Some Africans brought here during the trans-Atlantic slave trade were able to find safety with the Indigenous people of Louisiana. As a way to pay tribute, the tradition of Black Masking Indians was created. It was only later they would became known as "Mardi Gras Indians" because the tribes would utilize European holidays, like Fat Tuesday, to dress out and parade in the streets. Delayed but not deterred, various communities of eager paraders took to their respective neighborhoods and began celebrating on their own. These various communities would continue on to make up their own tribes of Black Masking Indians for decades on.

Featured in this video: Shaka Zulu, a New Orleans Black Masking Craftsman, Stilt Dancer, & Musician who was named a 2022 National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow.

[ZoeBrownScholarshipVideo]

Blessings thank you for the sneak peak into the process and rich history of our ancestors.

[Candlelight]

Beautiful, I was in Indiana and told my own people of color to do such beautiful things as this. Never got to experience it. Looks lovely and peaceful. A beautiful connection with your roots as well as your ancestors as well. I love the love love that they put into making the outfits and the joy of coming together. So beautiful

[diondavis]

Loved learning about this tradition and the process behind it.

[tamlamoore]

THIS IS TURTLE 🐢 ISLAND.WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HERE

[germainetriplett]

Have you guys ever invited any of the indigenous Indians to come to view how we interpret our Indian culture

[americanindian]

We are more Indian than we are African.

[darinboue]

So they are NOT paying homage to the Native Americans (Indians ) but to actual African Americans (Blacks) who lived free in the Native American area/community? And is he saying that these African Americans were indigenous to the area and free? Were they descendants of slaves brought here previously and either escaped or earned freedom or were they actually black people in Louisiana before european colonization? Confused. I am a tour guide and tell people about this every day. Trying to get it right.