The anatomy of a Mardi Gras showdown
In the Mardi Gras Indian, or Black Masking Indian, tradition, the big chiefs and their crews — spy boys, flag boys, wild men and a big queen — square off in mock battles with other so-called tribes to determine who is, in their words, the "prettiest."
On Mardi Gras day in New Orleans, if you're lucky or in the know, you can see a dazzling procession of Mardi Gras Indians, or Black Masking Indians, marching through the streets, resplendent in suits that are covered in beads, feathers, and rhinestones.
"The makers of the suits work on them all year long for the display on Mardi Gras day," correspondent Bill Whitaker told 60 Minutes Overtime. "And they are elaborate, and meticulous, and colorful, and beautiful."
The suits worn by big chiefs, the leaders of the so-called tribes, are often the most detailed and impressive, and that's by design. But the big chiefs aren't the only revelers who get dressed up.
On Mardi Gras morning, Whitaker and the 60 Minutes team met Elenora Brown, better known as Big Queen Rukiya, who masks with the Golden Eagles tribe. Queen Rukiya revealed her stunning sea green suit, covered in feathers, intricate bead work, a banner emblazoned with the words "America," and rhinestone alligators hiding in the sleeves.
"I tell the people the story of the alligator, and how we lived, and how he took care of us, and fed us… clothes, shoes. And he is a sacred symbol of Louisiana," the big queen told Whitaker.
When the tribes set out to parade on Mardi Gras day, they don't have a pre-determined route, but there is a goal in mind: to find another tribe and square off in mock battle, pitting big chief against big chief to determine the "prettiest."