Big Chief
Howard Miller
Current Big Chief; led a 2017 artist residency in Shreveport.
Oddusee · New Orleans
Generally regarded as the oldest Mardi Gras Indian tribe still masking, the Creole Wild West was formed in the 1880s (often dated to 1885) by Becate Batiste, a 7th Ward Creole of African, French and Choctaw heritage, and is credited with establishing the tribal structure other gangs follow. The gang today masks Uptown. Walter Cook Jr. ("Lil Walter") led it as Big Chief until retiring in 2011, and Big Chief Howard Miller has since led the tribe, lecturing on its history at universities across the country. Founded: 1880s Neighborhood: Central City (Uptown) Comes out: Mardi Gras morning Uptown; Uptown gangs traditionally meet around 2nd & Dryades.
The Council
Every name here carries the tribe — the council that leads the gang out, and the members who sew and mask. Council first, then the gang.
Council · The Tribe Comes Out Behind Them
Big Chief
Current Big Chief; led a 2017 artist residency in Shreveport.
Big Chief
Third-generation masker who began in 1976; retired as Big Chief in 2011.
Spy Boy
Photographed as Spy Boy of the Creole Wild West.
Masking Days · When This Tribe Comes Out