The traditions, costumes, and the music of the Mardi Gras Indians, African-Americans and those with African American or Native American Heritage are the focus of a unit that introduces class members to a little-known group that plays a key role in the Mardi Gras celebration.

Concepts

african american culture

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Although designed for higher ed, many of the activities in this unit could easily be adapted to other grade levels
• Have class members research the connections between African Americans and Native Americans during and after the Civil War

Classroom Considerations

• Class members should have a general knowledge of the Atlantic slave trade
• Requires percussion instruments such as drums, tambourines, cowbells, bottles, woodblocks, etc.
• The All on Mardi Gras Day DVD is available for purchase online

Pros

• The 19-page packet includes links to Smithsonian Folkways recordings, research prompts, discussion questions, and background information about the traditions of the Mardi Gras Indians

Cons

• While the packet does include suggested lessons, no detailed plans are included