Such is the foundation of the Mardi Gras Indians. The old is becoming new again. A generation ago Mardi Gras Indians in gangs of twenty or more took to the streets of New Orleans on Carnival Day to hunt down and do battle with rival gangs from other neighborhoods. For reasons of money, time and other commitments of the older members, the tradition has lost many of its practitioners. Money, of course, is a big reason for the decline of tribes' membership.
Time is another reason for the decline in numbers.
New recruits must start from scratch. The process of designing and sewing each suit by hand requires an investment of hundreds of hours. Through the generations the suits have become more elaborate. Over the years, the music and musical style of the Mardi Gras Indians has become part and parcel of the African-American New Orleans experience. Another verse and response, and so on.