One of America's last true secret societies: The Mardi Gras Indians | 60 Minutes
In a Nutshell
Mardi Gras Indians, Black Masking tribes in New Orleans, craft dazzling, handsewn suits over a year to honor Native Americans who sheltered escaped enslaved Africans, competing in Mardi Gras parades through beadwork, rhinestones, and chants in historically Black neighborhoods. Leaders like Big Chief Dean Malone ("De Man") and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux embody this secret society's resilience against oppression, with suits costing $25,000 and depicting stories like the Amistad rebellion, now recognized as fine art in global museums. Despite sacrifices, gentrification, and health challenges, elders pass the tradition to youth, preserving African, Caribbean, and Native American cultural fusion.
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Every year on Mardi Gras morning, groups of black revelers emerge from the back streets of New Orleans. They call themselves Mardi Gras Indians or Black Masking Indians, roaming neighborhoods in dazzling handsewn suits. The tradition dates to the 1800s to honor ancestors. According to Mardi Gras Indian lore, it is rooted in profound respect for Native Americans who sheltered escaped enslaved Africans. It expresses joy, protest, and pride passed generation to generation. On this Easter Sunday, meet the artists and musicians preserving the culture and experience one of America's last true secret societies.
If lucky to find them, discover a vibrant tapestry of African, Caribbean, and Native American threads, part of the cultural gumbo of New Orleans.
Extravagant suits—plumed, bejeweled, beaded, sequined—are handcrafted in secret for an entire year, unveiled on Mardi Gras day.
Chawa, that's Big Chief Dean Malone of the Young Soul Hunters announcing his arrival. Chawa. Who the best? Who got the best beadwork? Who got the best rhinestones? Who could sing the best?
Who got the biggest tribe?
Dozens of groups call themselves tribes. The leader is the big chief, with his big queen and crew, strutting through historically black neighborhoods searching for other tribes. When Big Chief De Man meets another big chief, they square off in mock battle, competing to show whose suit is the prettiest.
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