The New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian is a cultural phenomenon unique to New Orleans, Louisiana, which emerged in the 1880’s. This quintessential folk ritual was developed by the New Orleans African-American to pay respect and homage to the Native American for their assistance in escaping the tyranny of slavery. The rich culture of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian still exist today and is a celebration practiced exclusively by African-Americans in New Orleans.

The Mardi Gras Indian has a year long ritual of designing, beading and sewing a feathered suit, which when worn is called masking. The art of masking in these elaborately massive suits also encompass musical chants in native language only spoken by the various Indian Nations known as tribes. Currently there are thirty-two tribes based in New Orleans and they compete by determining who has the most creative and exquisite suit.

Shaka Zulu, a practicing New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian, will deliver a lecture revealing the historical and traditional mystique behind this yearly custom that has been practiced for nearly 200 years. He will exhibit beautiful and elaborate handmade suits reminiscent of the Native American dress and the beadwork of the Yoruba people of Nigeria. Audience members will be enlightened on a folk art that has been overlooked by many in the art world for years. Questions will be answered such as: Where did the name Mardi Gras Indian come from? What is Congo Square and how did this legendary New Orleans location play a role in the relationship of the African American and the Native American? What are the chants and songs of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian and how was this musical language developed? Shaka Zulu will reveal the beauty in dress, song, dance and ritual of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian.