06/27/2022
Black masking traditions are often about honoring ancestors, reclaiming power in a world of oppression, and creating beautiful expressions of joy, grief, and strength. In addition to Mari Gras Indians, Baby Dolls and the North Side Skull and Bone Gang carry on the traditions of Black masking in the neighborhoods of New Orleans.
Skeletons are part of the trans-Atlantic culture of the African diaspora, with representations in West African rituals, Caribbean Vodou practices, and Latin American Day of the Dead celebrations. For two centuries, the North Side Skull and Bone Gang has signaled the start of Mardi Gras Day, waking the spirits and serving as a reminder to live well before death. Starting before dawn, they don skeleton suits, butcher aprons, and papier-mâché skulls to walk the streets of Tremé, wielding bloody bones and rousing their neighbors with calls of "You next!"
Once the sun is up, the Baby Dolls strut the streets in frilly bloomers, smoking ci**rs, flashing cash, and proclaiming their sexuality and feminine power. Originating in the streets of Black Storyville at the beginning of the 20th century, the first Baby Dolls were prostitutes. With names like the Gold Diggers and the Million Dollar Baby Dolls, these women flaunted their value in a society that constantly devalued poor, Black, working women. There has been a revival of the Baby Doll tradition among women of all professions in recent decades, joining the Indians, skull and bone gang, and social aid and pleasure clubs of Black masking and parading culture.
Planning your travel? Learn more about these and other unique Carnival practices by visiting “Making Mardi Gras,” a free exhibition sponsored by Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World and Kern Studios on view at The Historic New Orleans Collection through August 7.
Plan your visit: hnoc.org/visit
Learn more about skull and bone gang traditions: https://youtu.be/i4BiyzTDVKQ
