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| New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Bury the Hatchet is a
documentary film about the culture and traditions of the Mardi Gras
Indians. It features three Big Chiefs; Victor
Harris, Alfred Doucette and Monk Boudreaux. Each one of them explain the ways
of the Mardi Gras Indians they provide an in-depth perspective on the history
and traditions of their culture.
This film resonated
with me on so many levels because the men who are known as The Big Chiefs carry
themselves in a manner of man that I grew up with during my childhood. Men who
are capable of providing for their families, men who had skills and used them
to create useful objects as well objects of beauty and men who know the
importance and worth of keeping traditions and culture going strong within their
families and the community.
This is a visual
feast of a film. The three Big Chiefs
are master artisans who create beautiful suits to lead their respective Indian
gangs during Mardi Gras. Each one of
them constructs their suits and the work is done by hand and also by
machine. The final results of their work
are a wearable piece of art.
As I watched this
film it occurred to me that this group of men used their skills to tell stories
that narrated on the garments that they produce. The amount of detail work that goes into each
piece is no less than amazing. We should
consider their work in the same manner that we do for Black women who
quilt.
One of the major
positive points in Bury the Hatchet is how the Big Chiefs recognized the need
to change the course of Mardi Gras Indian tradition from its violent end of the
day clashes into a tradition of beauty and dignity. At one time the Mari Gras Indians would end
the day in actual physical combat. The
film’s title comes from an incident where one of the Big Chiefs had a major
altercation with another one. A hatchet
was used to end that dispute and not only was the Big Chief struck in the head,
his sister and another individual were injured.
Another strong point
of this film is how the men resolve conflicts among the different Indian
gangs. They believe in respecting each
other and acting like they have a common bond even though they have
differences.
One of the other Big
Chiefs who is featured in this film is Big Chief Toots Montgomery. All of the other Big Chiefs pay homage to him
and the role he had within the Mardi Gras Indian tradition.
This film was shot
before and after Katrina hit New Orleans.
Film maker Aaron Walker managed to keep track of where the three Big
Chiefs relocated and subsequent return home. Their resilience and determination
is motivates them to move on rebuilding their lives and keeping the tradition
of the Mardi Gras Indians alive.
Bury the Hatchet is
currently airing on the Documentary Channel. Please check your local listings if
you are interested in viewing this film.
1 comment:
Interesting, very interesting.
I lived in New Orleans from 1989 until 1998, both of my children were born there.
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