A New Orleans tradition, Mardi Gras Indians are black men masked in Native American-themed Carnival suits & perform chants deeply rooted in the African American oral tradition.

Honoring the resistance of American Indians to oppression, they emerged as a response to segregated Mardi Gras celebrations. The call & response, improvisation & polyrhythm characterizing their uniquely self-reflexive songs have been a source of inspiration for countless Crescent City musicians, including Jelly Roll Morton, Dr. John, Professor Longhair, & The Neville Brothers.

Sam Charters brought together & taped this group from various tribes as they walked through the French Quarter.