Chief Tootie

I recently read "Nine Lives" written by Dan Baum. It tells the story of 9 local New Orleanians. He talks about the Indian Chief “Tootie” and how he started the trend of elaborate colorful Mardi Gras Indian Costumes. Before Chief “Tootie” the Mardi Gras Indians basically met up to fight each other.  Tootie became sick of this and decided the only way to stop it and not possibly get killed was to awe them with his beautiful costume. The first time Chief Tootie showed up in his bright costume he left the second line without a scratch.  His plan worked.Before him the Indians wore turkey brown feathers. Not the bright vivid colors we see today.

I find it interesting that there was a peace period when second lines weren’t associated with violence. I hope one day we can get back to that. 

Chief Tootie from here