The Mardi Gras Indians represent a deeply rooted African American cultural tradition in New Orleans, functioning as a semi-secret society with origins dating back to the 19th century. Members spend nearly the entire year hand-sewing elaborate suits made of intricate beadwork and ostrich feathers, which can weigh over 100 pounds. This tradition historically honors Native Americans who provided refuge to enslaved people. On Mardi Gras and Super Sunday, various tribes take to the streets to engage in ritualized, non-violent confrontations through chanting, dancing, and displays of craftsmanship.
- The Mardi Gras Indians consist of approximately 40 distinct tribes based within New Orleans’ African American neighborhoods.
- The tradition serves as a tribute to Native Americans for their historical role in assisting runaway enslaved individuals.
- Participants, known as “masking Indians,” create new, hand-sewn suits every year, often featuring millions of beads and costing thousands of dollars in materials.
- Tribal hierarchies include specific roles such as the Big Chief, Spy Boy, and Flag Boy, each with unique responsibilities during street processions.
- Historically a venue for physical territorial disputes, the modern tradition has evolved into a peaceful competition centered on artistry and “prettiness.”
- The elaborate suits are rarely worn more than a few times before being retired or dismantled to start the next year’s design.
Gemini said 60 Minutes is an American television news magazine that has been a staple of CBS News since its debut in 1968. Created by Don Hewitt, the program is renowned for its hard-hitting investigative journalism, high-profile interviews, and in-depth feature stories that have earned it a reputation as the gold standard of broadcast news for over half a century.
Official website: https://www.cbsnews.com/60-minutes//
Original video here.
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Well, this had me tearing the whole way through. What an important story to tell. I'm in complete awe. By preserving your culture you are changing the world. Turning pain into beauty is enlightened. It filled me with awe and joy to witness your culture. Thank you for sharing it. I'm so happy to see the passion of each generation. God willing, perhaps I will get to witness your culture in person one day. Thank you so much for sharing.
THE REAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF AMERICA MY KINFOLK✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾
Please keep the secret and don't let this tradition die.
I personally know Big Chief Monk Boudreaux, we have a reggae song we made together! This episode brought tears to my eyes seeing him not marching with his tribe. His smile is still as bright as ever though!!!! Salute to all the Big Chiefs and Shout outs to Mardi Gras Indian Culture from St.Louis, MO.
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Beautiful 🤩
Anyone noticed 60minutes are not reporting anything relevant to current events especially the administration and ongoing conflicts.
Go to their website for the other 47 minutes.
Would love to have them in a parade at my funeral and New Orleans jazz music being played❤❤
My Home Town Uptown New Orleans
New Orleans will keep it rolling….
I have beautiful footage of the black masking culture on my channel.
Everyday all day. Know them personally!!
Respect 🙏🏾 🫡 🤲 🙌
I ran with the Indians …My girlfriend (who was balck) was never allowed to see the Indians because it was dangerous territory.There were tribe wars..and guns..But running with the Indians is incredible..where once a year the Indians (tribes) come out together to show their suits..Super Sunday is the day all the Indiians come out together in their costumes. Mardi Gras Is seeing the Indians indiviually throughout neighborhoods in New Orleans…But Super Sunday is unbelievable!
Creativity, passion, perseverance, pride, honor, respect, and above all, DIGNITY. Those qualities were all brought to mind while I watched this segment. I found it both inspiring and incredibly moving. This is history, alive and well. May the tradition of the Mardi Gras Indians continue on for many generations to come.
They literally spend all year hand sewing every bead themselves.
BRAVO, 60 Minutes!
I used to see em all the time when I lived in Treme. Super Sunday is something worth experiencing if you wanna see the Indians
Just because people just learning about Mardi Gras Indians doesn't make it a secret society. This is common knowledge in NOLA. Plus, no disrespect to flagboy but the song Iko Iko going back decades, was talking about Mardi Gras Indian battle… "my flag boy says to yo flag boy, gonna set yo flag on fire"
I stumbled upon this video today, and as a designer and university professor, I was deeply moved by the incredible artistry and spirit behind these museum-quality pieces. Seeing the dedication required to hand-bead such meaningful creations has inspired me to finally attend Mardi Gras in the second half of my life. It is a powerful, compelling story of beautiful people doing beautiful things, and I am so grateful I watched it.
How do we see the full episode??
It’s because they’re indigenous to this land that’s why.
The detail, the colors, the woven history….oh my goodness.
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There is so much Black History that average Americans do not hear.
I have so much respect for the Mardi Gras Indians
I had the privilege of growing up in New Orleans.
There's an old HBO show call the Treme it shows alot about this and New Orleans culture highly recommend it
I was Blessed to attend one and it is TRULY and Amazing Experience…no words can capture✨️
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Impeccable. Majestic. Beautiful. ❤️🖤💚
This is what America should be focusing on…not dealing with the demise of our because of Trump. Remember the days without the traitor? I do. It was perfect but it certainly was far better than the insanity we are dealing with today
remarkable😊
We are NOT enslaved Africans! We are Indigenous American Indians! We were always here!!!
Carry on!
I love the exposure. This documentary just scratches the surface. Spy boy, Flag boy, Big Chief. The language, call and response, Super Sunday and St Joseph’s Day/Night. Google those things to take a deeper dive.
i love them ❤,the suits are beautiful
I'm super curious what other indigenous tribes this about this mixture of cultures.
WABOS! SMH
They don’t only come out on Mardi Gras. They also come out on a day called Super Sunday and that’s not the same day as the Superbowl. I used to draw these suits up for them decades ago. ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️
I am trying to understand what Native Americans or indigenous peoples took them in? I do believe it happened. As Mexico was helping many slaves. I am just wondering if it was an indigenous people originally from Mexico. Still Native Americans. Just trying to connect the dots because slaves were going to Mexico too. Yes the indigenous came up around the 1700 to the north part of Mexico Texas, California, Arizona etc. So interesting.