It would be difficult to explain the cultural history and significance of the Mardis Gras Indians in a short paragraph, other than to say that the backstory is both incredibly interesting and a creative cultural response to some of the darkest moments in American history. The culture, immortalized in the song 'Iko Iko' was almost completely devastated by Katrina, but as I looked at the vibrant costumes, I was struck by the resiliency of the city and it's people.

"See that guy all dressed in green I-ko, I-ko, un-day
He's not a man, he's a lov-in' ma-chine jock-a mo fee na-né" - Crawford/Hawkins