Keynote Presentation: The Art and Culture of the Black Indians of New Orleans
Join us for an depth discussion with Queen Elenora “Rukiya” Brown and Big Chief Howard Miller of the Creole Wild West about the tradition of African Americans masking in suits inspired by Native American tradition. The discussion will touch upon the history, craft, music and politics of this uniquely New Orleans tradition. We will also discuss the artist-audience dialog that takes place in real time between the Mardi Gras Indians and their community whenever the Indians hit the streets.
Learn About Big Chief Allison “Tootie” Montana — Spiritual Leader of the Mardi Gras Indians
He was the Big Chief of the Yellow Pocahontas Tribe and made the culture of the Mardi Gras Indians about pageantry rather than combat display.