Big Chief
Victor Harris
Founder; masked 59 years, 41 as Big Chief; retired after Mardi Gras 2024.
Oddusee · New Orleans
Victor Harris masked with Tootie Montana's Yellow Pocahontas for about 20 years before founding the Mandingo Warriors in 1984 with Collins "Coach" Lewis, taking the name "Spirit of Fi Yi Yi." The gang is known for African-inspired suits with masks rather than feathered crowns, built with designer Jack Robertson and drummer Wesley Phillips. Harris retired after Mardi Gras 2024 following 59 years of masking and 41 as Big Chief, passing leadership to his son Victor Harris Jr. The tribe released the album When That Morning Comes in 2016. Founded: 1984 Neighborhood: 9th Ward (Downtown)
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
Founder; masked 59 years, 41 as Big Chief; retired after Mardi Gras 2024.
Big Chief
Son of Victor Harris; succeeded him in 2024.
Big Queen
Big Queen of Fi Yi Yi.
Spy Boy
Appears on When That Morning Comes (2016).
Masking Days · When This Tribe Comes Out