Big Chief
Darryl Montana
Son of Tootie Montana; began masking around 1965; United States Artists fellow.
Oddusee · New Orleans
The Yellow Pocahontas is the historic 7th Ward tribe of Allison "Tootie" Montana (1922-2005), the "Chief of Chiefs," who masked for roughly 50 years and is credited with shifting Indian culture from fighting toward competition in sewing and suit design. Tootie received the NEA National Heritage Fellowship in 1987 and died in 2005 while addressing the New Orleans City Council about police harassment of Indians. His son Darryl Montana became Big Chief, retired in 2017 and returned to mask in 2022; the tribe comes out in the 7th Ward near Tootie's former home on N. Villere Street. Victor Harris (Fi Yi Yi), David Montana (Washitaw Nation) and Lionel Delpit (Black Feather) all masked with the Yellow Pocahontas before founding their own gangs. Founded: Early 1900s Neighborhood: 7th Ward (Downtown) Comes out: Mardi Gras morning in the 7th Ward near N. Villere Street.
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
Son of Tootie Montana; began masking around 1965; United States Artists fellow.
Big Queen
Wife of Tootie Montana.
Big Chief · In Memoriam
In Memoriam (1922-2005). Co-founded the Monogram Hunters in 1947.
Masking Days · When This Tribe Comes Out