Yellow Pocahontas Mardi Gras Indians

Allison “Tootie” Montana traces his tradition back to 1880, when his great-uncle, Chief Becate, founded the Yellow Pocahontas tribe; it is believed he was part African American and part American Indian. The ancestors of today's Black Indians were Native Americans of the southeastern United States and African slaves who met in places like the New Orleans French Market and Congo Square. These groups interacted while buying and selling spices, foods, and other goods, and over time developed social networks. The Mardi Gras Indian tribes of New Orleans embody a melding of Native American, Afro-Caribbean, and Afro-American culture. They have retained distinct cultural identities amid the urban environment of New Orleans.  Tootie led the gang that Mardi Gras Day for 50 years thereafter, he became the foremost Mardi Gras Indian, and set a new standard for costume design and decoration. In the sixties and seventies the Tambourine and Fan organization united the Indians around cultural themes. Costume artistry became the way to preserve the Mardi Gras Indian tradition. It was now who was the “prettiest”. Tootie Montana applied construction techniques of balance and proportion to costume design. His work ethic, competitiveness, and tribal pride staved off the fiercest challengers to those who attempted to outdo him.Tootie Montana has brought the Mardi Gras Indian culture to the world. He was a National Endowment for the Arts recipient; he has been honored by President Reagan and the Smithsonian, and was gloriously celebrated at the New Orleans Museum of Art on his 50th year. He pioneered three-dimensional costumes, elaborate crowns, and beautiful processions. He recently received a lifetime achievement award for his contributions as an artisan from the City of New Orleans. Tootie Montana died on June 27, 2005. He suffered heart failure after addressing the New Orleans City Council in a strong affirmation for the preservation of the Mardi Gras Indian culture. Today the Big Chief is Darryl Montana, son and successor of Big Chief Allison Montana of the Yellow Pocahontas Hunters Mardi Gras Indian Tribe. The Second Chief is David Montana, Darryl's first cousin and the son of Tootie's oldest brother Edward Montana.  tootieslastsuit.com