 Guardians
of the Flame, Mardi Gras Indian Tribe is
dedicated to preserving a more than
century-old tradition that has been
carried on exclusively in the New
Orleans African American community.
The tradition of masquerading as Mardi
Gras Indians has been carried on in the
New Orleans African American community
since the 1880s, although the exact
origin is unknown. Participants
attribute its origin to the African
American / Native American bonds forged
during the slavery era. During this
time, local Native Americans welcomed,
accepted, and sheltered run-away slaves.
Because this humanitarianism was never
forgotten, when African-Americans began
to participate in the local tradition of
masquerading, they chose to mask as
Indians. This was a form of paying
respect and homage for the assistance
extended to them during the slavery era.
The music of the Mardi Gras Indians is
poly-rhythmic. It has retained elements
of West African layered drumming
techniques and the call and response
style of singing. The music of this
tribe is innovative in that they
incorporate the use of contemporary Jazz
and African drums.
The earliest costumes were made with
turkey feathers, bottle caps, ribbon,
and sequins. Since the 1880s the
costumes have evolved into the
spectacular suits of ostrich plumes,
rhinestones, seed beads, velvet, satin,
etc. worn today.
The tribe's costumes combine elements
from Native American cultures with those
of many African cultures - Yoruba, Zulu,
Mali, and ancient Benin - to create a
unique Afrocentric expression of their
beautiful culture and heritage.
Guardians of the Flame, Mardi Gras
Indian Tribe was organized by Donald
Harrison, Sr. in 1988.They made their
Mardi Gras debut on February 7,1989.
Chief Donald began his involvement with
the New Orleans Indian tradition in 1949
and over the next twenty years would
become Big Chief of the Creole Wild West
and White Eagle Tribes. The Guardians
include three generations of Harrisons.
Big Chief Donald is joined by his son,
world jazz saxophonist Donald Harrison,
Jr., his daughter, Cherice
Harrison-Nelson, his grand children,
Brian Nelson, Christian and Kiel Scott,
and Victoria Harrison to keep this
tradition alive. Additional tribe
members include extended family members
and friends.
Mardi Gras Indian tradition has only
recently received attention outside New
Orleans, its importance as a cultural
phenomenon of American history has been
assured by many anthropologists. Their
songs and unique rhythm patterns
influenced many New Orleans rhythm and
blues artists of the 1950s, creating a
foundation for what was to become rock
and roll. The Guardians of the Flame
personify this special link to an
obscured that is still vibrant today.
Cherice Harrison-Nelson lives and
works in New Orleans. Her recent
projects and accomplishments include:
Summer 1994 - Fulbright Scholarship to
Senegal and Ghana; cadre member of the
New Orleans Public School's Africana
Studies Cadre; school site
Multi-Cultural Studies lead teacher;
Project Director of the Haley Story
Quilt Project; site Chairperson of -
Jazz Awareness Month (October) and
African/African-American Month; Master's
Degree from Xavier University - May
1996; conceived and developed a Jazz
studies curriculum for elementary level
students which is currently in use in
over forty schools in Southeast
Louisiana; annually facilitates a
teacher's workshop on Jazz Awareness
Month.
Published in In Motion Magazine
September 8, 1996. -
http://www.inmotionmagazine.com
|
