The Masking of the
MARDI GRAS INDIANS
Masking Indian | Spy, Flag Boy and Big Chiefs| Super Sunday
Mardi Gras Indians Home Page
 "If I had a heart attack at 92, I'd still mask. In New
Orleans, you don't need a reason to do what you do,
you do it because that's the way it is!"
Larry Bannock, Chief, Golden Star Hunters
When we first talked to Larry Bannock about the traditions of the Mardi
Gras Indians, we didn't realize how fascinating it would be. We would like
to thank Larry for opening up his world and his home to us as he shares
this long-held but little-known Mardi Gras and St. Joseph Day tradition
with us. Most importantly, we have learned a lot about character.
Masking as an Indian means designing and creating a new costume every
year. Larry Bannock wears a hand-beaded and feathered suit of original
design that weighs between 100 and 150 pounds. He wears this suit as he
marches throughout the city on Mardi Gras day, meeting the other chiefs
along the way (see history). At times,
he removes the heavier part of the suit, replacing it as he approaches
another Indian Chief.
"Downtown Indians use sequins; feathers.....Uptown Indians
use beads, rhinestones, feathers. The only time Downtown and Uptown Indians
come together is to parade on St. Joseph's day." - Larry Bannock
There are distinct design differences between the costumes of the Downtown
Indians and the Uptown Indians. When they meet, each Indian is proud of
the costume he has created....and a silent comparison of their beauty takes
place. To honor the Italians, they again suit up and meet on the evening of St. Joseph's day in and around their neighborhoods. However, all of the Mardi Gras Indians come together to celebrate what they call "Super Sunday" with a parade. It is a beautiful sight and occurs during the day on a Sunday near St. Joseph's Day.
"Making an Indian suit comes from your heart; the Indian
suit for next year is in my mind.... You have to feel something about the
patch: it has to mean something to you -- the eagle, the buffalo -- every
patch I do is a spirit. You have to be on fire"
Larry Bannock
 Making a new suit is time consuming and must be planned carefully. An
Indian's costume may take up to a year to complete, starting with the conception
of an idea for next year's suit. Ordering material, designing layout, sewing
and beadwork follow. Larry, an uptown Indian Chief and President of the
Mardi Gras Indian Council, had the design picked out for his '97 suit before
Mardi Gras of '96!
After an artist friend draws the image upon the canvas, Larry decides
upon the colored beads he will use to create a patch for his costume. The
beadwork is done entirely by hand...and he does all of it himself. This
bead art and the plumage selected each year make a glorious combination
of color and texture that render his costumes such a work of art that some
are now on display in museums throughout the country.
"Masking as a Mardi Gras Indian..it's dying; because
it costs ....at over $1,000 for rhinestones, $320.00 for velvet, hundreds
for beads, hundreds more for the feathers...it costs, yeah - people with
families to support find it difficult." - Larry Bannock
 One of the reasons there is so much interest in the Mardi Gras Indian
is because it seems to be a dying tradition. When the costumes were made
from whatever material could be found, there were many Indians. However,
the designs of the costumes have become so elaborate that it is very difficult
for many to afford the expense. Larry is able to afford to make his costume
due to the generosity of some of his friends who contribute their skills
and hard work. He is also asked to speak to others around the country about
the rich history of the Mardi Gras Indian....and whatever he makes helps
finance his next year's costume. However, it is often a struggle.
"Rex has designers; its King has no say on his costume...my
suit is ME! I do the patchwork and rhinestones. I have people helping me
hook up now, but there's only two patches I didn't do; a rattlesnake and
a hatchet-- given to me by two older Indians. I'll always wear those patches."
- Larry Bannock
 Typical of Mardi Gras tradition, rarely will anyone outside of the immediate
family and close friends have an opportunity to witness a suit's creation
before Mardi Gras. National Geographic and 48 hours, however,
were lucky enough to go behind the scenes while doing a special on this
tradition....the television crews even pitched in during the last hectic
days before Mardi Gras.
Larry assures us that it is all worthwhile for him when, on Mardi Gras
morning, he steps out of his home into his waiting neighborhood in all
of his glory!
In my opinion, his Mardi Gras Indian costume often surpasses the quality,
intricacy and artistry seen in the costumes of many Mardi Gras Kings and
Queens. To see the Indians in their suits marching, dancing, and singing
is to see art come alive!
The Mardi Gras Indian | Spy, Flag Boy and Big Chiefs
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