Mardi Gras Indians
Spy Boy, Flag Boy,
and Big Chiefs!

Masking Indian | Spy, Flag Boy and Big Chiefs| Super Sunday
Mardi Gras Indians Home Page

"There's different ranks--it's kinda loose--depending on the gang. Some have Spy Boy, Spy Flag, Flag Boy, Gang Flag; some have 1st Flag, 2nd Flag, 1st Chief, 2nd Chief... there's always going to be only one Big Chief though.

The Spy Boy is first in the front, he is the baddest of all the Indians... he is ahead looking for trouble. Only a chosen few can be Spy Boy. It's his job to send a signal to First Flag when he sees other Indians. First Flag signals back down the line to Big Chief. Big Chief has a stick that controls the Indians. When he hits the ground with the stick, they better get down and bow to the Chief." - Larry Bannock

On Mardi Gras Day, if you're lucky enough to see some of the Mardi Gras Indians, the first Indian you're likely to see is the Spy Boy. His job places him ahead of the Big Chief's progression. Each Spy Boy has a method to signal potential trouble or approaching rival Indian tribes...by whooping, hollering, dancing, and using hand language. His observations are communicated to the Big Chief who, in return, sends a set of directions and instructions back down the parade progression.

"I "took" my position as a Spy Boy, nobody gave it to me. I took it when someone else didn't do their job. Your heart and soul has to be there." - Larry Bannock

It is through this very effective, practiced and elaborate system of whoops, dances, flags and hand signals that the Big Chief is able to direct a progression many streets long...even though he is far away from the front of the parade. This communication network is important as it allows the Big Chief time to adjust his suit, don his headdress, and prepare a song for an impending meeting with a rival tribe. Marching the streets on Mardi Gras day on their way to meet other Indian tribes is their opportunity to have an entire year's worth of artistic effort appraised by an opponent artist.

"The route on Mardi Gras is always secret. Nobody knows where anybody's gonna be...that's why Spy Boy is ahead and looking for Indians. If he sights a gang, he tells Flag Boy that a gang is on its way." - Larry Bannock

The Flag Boy is the next ranking Indian. It is he who carries the "gang flag" -- a huge staff decorated with feathers (seen on left) and the gang symbol. Flag Boys are usually a block or two behind Spy Boy, and a street or two ahead of the Big Chief. Their responsibility is to pass along Spy Boy's information to the Big Chief, and return the Big Chief's response back to the Spy Boy. By raising his gang flag high in the air and using prearranged signals, the Flag Boy is able to keep the Big Chief and Spy Boy in direct communication. This allows the Big Chief control over the direction of the route his tribe will take.
As mentioned, the progression can be many streets long. Between the ranking indians, you will see the ever-present "second liners." They are usually not costumed, but provide much entertainment as they follow along dancing, singing, beating drums, and playing tambourines.

In fact, the street music heard is the inspiration for many famous and local musical artists. Jelly Roll Morton (once a Spy Boy), Professor Longhair, Dr. John, and the Meters have all recorded tunes inspired by the Mardi Gras Indians. Larry invited me along this year on the day of the St. Joseph's Day parade. I joined the second-liners as they marched their way through the city, and loved the revelry!

At times, it can be difficult to spot the Big Chief since he is surrounded by his bodyguards. Their purpose is to protect the Big Chief -- keeping excited crowds from pressing too close to him and possibly damaging the Big Chief's suit....or, worse yet, carelessly setting him on fire with a cigarette (the plumes are very flammable).

"Three Indians you know will be there on that day: me, Tuti Montana, and Little Walter...I've masked for 24 years, Little Walter 24, and Tuti Montana - 48." - Larry Bannock

Even though the Mardi Gras Indians have a longstanding tradition of parading on Mardi Gras day, they have always avoided the organized structure of traditional Mardi Gras Krewes. They often march the back streets of New Orleans. Parade permits have requirements factored into them: a certain number of marching bands, police, police barricades, established routes and specific times to begin and end.

The Mardi Gras Indians do not ride floats, have established routes, or follow this traditional Mardi Gras Krewe structure. They parade through their neighborhoods on foot. When they criss-cross one another's paths, it takes time to meet and greet each other. The Mardi Gras Indian "parade" can be an all-day affair...happening in different parts of the city.

As the Indians march and make their presence known they receive respect from everyone who comes across their path. Drivers in automobiles caught in their path make way for the tribe lest they risk a war dance on and over their car! Marching Indians have stopped the Rex parade -- New Orleans' most established Krewe.

Masking Indian | The Mardi Gras Indian

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