Meet the

Black & Fancy Indians

BLACK INDIAN mas is believed to have its roots in the United States and is reflective of enslaved African Americans escaping plantations and finding refuge in Native American Indian Reservations. It’s a culturally syncretic combination of African influence and Native American tradition that’s reflective in its distinctive speech/chant. Can still be found as part of the New Orleans culture today. The costume, reflective of its title, often consisted of black painted faces and predominantly black elaborate feathered headpieces.