Mardi Gras Indians
Beadwork
Beadwork is the painstaking hand-sewn embroidery that decorates Mardi Gras Indian suits, depicting portraits, symbols, and historical scenes.
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Carnival Knowledge, Preserved
A–ZMuseum Index
Mardi Gras Indians
Explore Carnival terminology, traditions, Krewes, and Auxiliary Groups together in one living museum index.
141Topics
131Krewes
28Auxiliary Groups
300Catalog Entries
A–Z Museum Index
Topics & Organizations
Search or browse Encyclopedia articles, Krewes, and Auxiliary Groups together in one alphabetical catalog.
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Mardi Gras Indians
Big Chief
The Big Chief is the principal leader of a Mardi Gras Indian tribe, directing its traditions, public appearances, and artistic vision.
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Big Queen
The Big Queen is the highest-ranking female leader within a Mardi Gras Indian tribe and plays a major role in creating suits, preserving traditions, and representing the tribe.
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Mardi Gras Indians
Feather Suit
A Feather Suit is the elaborate handcrafted costume worn by a Mardi Gras Indian, featuring thousands of feathers, beads, rhinestones, and sewn artwork.
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Flag Boy
The Flag Boy carries the tribe's banner and relays signals between the Spy Boy and the Big Chief during processions.
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Mardi Gras Indians
Mardi Gras Indians
Mardi Gras Indians are African American cultural organizations whose members create elaborate hand-sewn suits and parade on Mardi Gras Day and other traditional occasions, preserving a unique New Orleans tradition.
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Mardi Gras Indians
Spy Boy
The Spy Boy scouts ahead of the tribe, watching for approaching tribes and communicating observations back to the Big Chief.
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Suiting Up
Suiting Up refers to the annual process of putting on a newly completed Mardi Gras Indian suit before appearing in public.
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Mardi Gras Indians
Wild Man
The Wild Man protects the tribe and traditionally walks near the front, symbolically clearing the path and safeguarding the Big Chief.
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