Mohawk Indian History

Slidell artist pays tribute to artistry of Mardi Gras Indians

The first time Lori Gomez saw the Algiers Indians, known as the Mohawk Hunters, they came over the levee one by one to reveal the beautiful costumes that they had beaded by working for an entire year. “I thought to myself that I would have to paint these captivating and exciting images. I grabbed my camera and memorized in my soul. I was so impressed with their effort and artistic creativity. Watching them dance was like seeing living art,” she said.

After she did the first three paintings, she forwarded photos of them to Chief Tyrone Casby , who in turn invited her to display them at a lecture he was giving about the tribe. Members give presentations about the history and culture of Mardi Gras Indians as well as the role that each member plays.

Anyone would be hard-pressed to choose a favorite painting in this exhibit. Together they make a striking view in a profusion of colors for anyone who enters the doors of DuBuisson Gallery on 300 Robert Street. Gomez has captured the emotion, pride of accomplishment and celebration of culture and history that the group presents as the Indians parade through streets.

Casby said, “The feeling I have on Mardi Gras morning is difficult to express. It is a mixture of relief and joy within a spiritual reality.” The painting of youngsters Kirsten Robinson and Kendell Hills dancing in beaded costumes proves this is a family tradition. Children and grandchildren learn the customs, and when Mohawk Hunters bead or perform, they do it as a family.

“I think anything that brings a family together is a good thing. As someone who didn’t have that kind of unity in my youth, I admire that in them. They also share and teach their customs in the Greater New Orleans community and in the world,” Gomez said. The chief’s son, Jamal Casby, has traveled to Guatemala, India, Sri Lanka, Dubai and Abu Dhabi to share information about the origins and culture of the tradition.

Chief Casby began his involvement with the Mohawk Hunters when he was 16. In 1980, he became the Big Chief, and has remained so ever since. For the artist, this series of paintings gave insight and information. She tried her hand at beading, and she listened to Casby’s lectures and did independent research in an effort to capture the magnificence of the ritual. Each member has a role to play when they arrive in costume.

HOT SAUCE: Mohawk Indian Tribe History

In the federal council and in other intertribal assemblies the Mohawk sit with the tribal phratry, which is formally called the "Three Elder Brothers" and of which the other members are the Seneca and the Onondaga. Like the Oneida, the Mohawk have only 3 clans, namely, the Bear, the Wolf, and the Turtle. The tribe is represented in the federal council by 9 chiefs of the rank of roianer (see Chiefs), being 3 from every clan. These chiefships were known by specific names, which were conferred with the office. These official titles are Tekarihoken, Haienhwatha, and Satekarihwate, of the first group; Orenrehkowa, Deionhehkon, and Sharenhowanen, of the second group; and Dehennakarine, Rastawenserontha, and Shoskoharowanen, of the third group. The first two groups or clans formed an intratribal phratry, while the last, or Bear clan group, was the other phratry. The people at all times assembled by phratries, and each phratry occupied aside of the council fire opposite that occupied by the other phratry. The second title in the foregoing list has been Anglicized into Hiawatha. From the Jesuit Relation for 1660 it is learned that the Mohawk, during a period of 60 years, had been many times both at the top and the bottom of the ladder of success; that, being insolent and warlike, they had attacked the Abnaki and their congeners at the east, the Conestoga at the south, the Hurons at the west and north, and the Algonquian tribes at the north; that at the close of the 16th century the Algonkin had so reduced them that there appeared to be none left, but that the remainder increased so rapidly that in a few years they in turn had overthrown the Algonkin. This success did not last long. The Conestoga waged war against them so vigorously for 10 years that for the second time the Mohawk were overthrown so completely that they appeared to be extinct. About this time (?1614) the Dutch arrived in their country, and, being attracted by their beaver skins, they furnished the Mohawk and their congeners with firearms, in order that the pelts might be obtained in greater abundance. The purpose of the Dutch was admirably served, but the possession of firearms by the Mohawk and their confederates rendered it easy for them to conquer their adversaries, whom they routed and filled with terror not alone by the deadly effect but even by the sound of these weapons, which hitherto had been unknown.

Encyclopedia of American Indian history

Documents relative to the colonial history of the State of New York

The Journal of American history

Great documents in American Indian history

Biography and history of the Indians of North America, comprising a general account of them, and details in the lives of all the most distinguished chiefs, and others who have been noted, among the various Indian nations ... Also, a history of their wars; their manners and customs; and the most celebrated speeches of their orators ... Likewise exhibiting an analysis of the ... authors who have written upon ... the first peopling of America ...