Mardi Gras Indians and Masking

Photo of Big Chief Larry by Paula Stratton.

Many consider the Mardi Gras Indians to be a famous icon of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Their bright colors and lively personalities offer a rich, fun-filled atmosphere. But there is more than what meets the eye. Masking is at the core of the Mardi Gras Indians. Big Chief Larry Bannock considers this important as it distinguishes himself from others. A lot of work and time goes into making a Mardi Gras Indian costume. The process is a lengthy one and can sometimes takes months or years. Mardi Gras Indians’ pride resides in their costumes. The costumes represent their personality and spirit. The passion is the driving force behind the costume. For the costume can cost not only time but money as well. The costumes can cost a couple of hundreds of thousands dollars to make. Big Chief Larry states that “Masking as a Mardi Gras Indian…its dying, because it cost… over $1,000 for rhinestones, $320.00 for velvet, hundred of beads, hundreds more for the feathers…it cost, yeah. People with families to support find it difficult.” But such an obstacle is not in question for the passionate few. Big Chief Larry states that his costume “is ME!” You can read more about the article here.