Today’s post is inspired by a video clip I saw of MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry talking about the troublesome mis-appropriation of the Harlem Shake and showcasing some real Harlem shakers on her show. For the earlier posts on syncretism in Trinidad Carnival before and Indian Mas in Carnival see here, here and here.
Above – Traditionalists: men in “Indian Mas” during the Traditional Characters parade in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad Carnival 2012
Golden Comanche and Seminoles Mardi Gras Indians during the parades at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2011
Above – Golden Star Hunters Mardi Gras Indians performing on the Jazz & Heritage Stage at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival 2011 (with detailing of bead and ribbon work).
Aaron Shaffie portrays a bustle dancer in the Traditional Characters competition at Victoria & Albert Square, Trinidad Carnival 2013
Above – Tribe members and guests dance at the Piscataway Indians Powwow in Waldorf, Maryland.
Reblogged this on Massassination2.
These photos are epic!
Thanks! It’s nice to see the different styles of emulating Native American traditions in mas/Mardi Gras and to highlight the beauty of the originals.