Allison Montana

Who was Allison Montana?

Chief Allison "Tootie" Montana was a New Orleans cultural icon who acted as the Mardi Gras Indian "chief of chiefs" for decades. Tootie is revered in the Mardi Gras Indian culture as the Big Chief who is responsible for changing the violent way of the Indian's culture. While Tootie was Big Chief of the Yellow Pocahontas Tribe, he made the culture of the Mardi Gras Indians about pageantry rather than violence.

Origins and Traditions of Mardi Gras Indians

The history of the Mardi Gras Indians can be traced back to the time of slavery in New Orleans. When slaves would escape from the city, many would find shelter with the Indigenous people of America. The traditions of the Mardi Gras Indians then stemmed from what was observed while under the care of the indigenous people. The art of masking at Carnival in the Indian suits is a way to pay respect to the people who looked after escaped slaves

Originally, the Mardi Gras Indians were a violent group of people. Tribes from different sections of town would engage in fights called humbugs in parts of New Orleans called the battlefield. Carnival was the day that any Indian revenge was executed.