Feathers and sequins glisten in the high noon heat. Tambourines shake and drums roll, calling out to. the spirits at Congo Square. It is August 27th, 1994. A Native American medicine man is about to draw blood from a Mardi Gras Indian Chief.

Big Chief Larry Bannock of The Golden Star Hunters radiates dignity in the brightly colored splendor of his lifework, his enormous Mardi Gras suit. Today he is being honored, along. with all the Mardi Gras Indian tribes of New Orleans. He offers his ar...