Big Chief Allison “Tootie” Montana of the Yellow Pocahantas
was laid to rest Saturday 9 July 2005. He died of a heart attack suffered on Monday 27 June at the New Orleans City Council
chambers. He was pronounced dead later that evening at Charity Hospital.
Montana was speaking at a special hearing called to address the St. Joseph’s Day Ambush – a term used to
describe police disruption of the traditional Mardi Gras Indian celebration. The nighttime celebration took place at A. L.
Davis Park, at the corner of Washington Avenue and LaSalle Street. This year’s observance, held on Saturday 19 March,
was brought to an early end by area police officers.
Acting on a complaint that “someone” was carrying a gun, officers from the 6th District ordered
tribe members to remove their suits, disband and leave the area, or face arrest. Among the celebrants
were numerous children and senior citizens. Charges
of police abuse quickly followed.
Officers are said to have used police motorcycles and squad cars to intimidate tribe members and bystanders. Those
present cited police pushing, shoving, and shouting obscenities amid threats of arrest and incarceration. Arrests were indeed
made that night; but no gun or weapon of any kind was recovered.
Much has been made of the early knife and gun toting days of the Indians. In the context of Carnival celebrations of
the period, however, this was not so unusual. Traditionally, masks and costumes are worn only on Mardi Gras, the final day
of Carnival. Masking provides the opportunity to “act out” one last time before the fasting and self-denial of
the Lenten season.
For African Americans, however, the donning of Indian suits permitted more than simple release. It sanctioned statements
of resistance to legalized racism and second-class citizenship. Chanting and singing in Creole, the “Indians”
expressed not only discontent but outright defiance, and a refusal to “bow down.”
Associated by name with the revelry and pageantry of Carnival, Mardi Gras Indian tradition is, in fact, a culture unto
itself. Dating back to the late 19th century, it bears all the markings of a secret society, including the mystery
of its origins. It has its own ritual music, dance, language and attire, as well as a clearly defined hierarchy of leadership
and succession. Its most visible expression – the craftsmanship and beauty of the suits – is reminiscent of the
mask societies of Africa, Asia and the New World. The suits are reminiscent in style and technique to the sequined Voodoo
flags of Haiti and the older sacred beadwork traditions of Black Brazil.
Those versed in Mardi Gras Indian lore insist on the sacredness of the St. Joseph’s Night celebration. Cherice
Harrison-Nelson is curator of the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame and a life-long member of the
Guardians of the Flame. “It’s more spiritual, more mystical. And you feel that Spirit. The air is thick
with it. When you mask for St. Joseph’s Night, it’s an altogether different and truly beautiful feeling. And you
know inside that you’re supposed to be there.” Because the observation is held at night, the artistry of
the plumed, feathered and beaded suits takes on a different kind of splendor.
Carnival spectators typically must go in search of Indians and may or may not find them in large numbers. St. Joseph’s
Night celebrations, however, are traditionally held at well known locations across the city. 9th Ward gangs cross
the St. Claude Avenue bridge on foot. Those from the 7th Ward gather at Hunters’ Field at Claiborne and St.
Bernard avenues. Uptown Indians gather at A.L. Davis Park.
