The Red Hawk Hunters are among the many Black Masking Indian tribes who take to the streets of New Orleans on Mardi Gras morning in beautiful hand-sewn suits.

Like their fellow tribes, they spend the year beading and sewing, then meet other gangs in the ritual battle of song, dance, and display to see who is “prettiest.”

Their presence is part of the living tradition that turns the streets of New Orleans into a moving art gallery each Carnival season.