Zulu Tramps * A Misunderstood Tradition
Lisa DuBois | New Orleans, United States
Organization: Enfoco
Photographer: Lisa DuBois
Organization: Enfoco
Exhibit Title: Zulu Tramps * A Misunderstood Tradition
Location: New Orleans, United States
The first Mardi Gras celebration began in 1730. Slaves and free black men were banned from participating in Mardi Gras celebrations but many were used for the most difficult work.Laws were designed to reinforce the triad of separation between race,culture and class.
Subculture groups like the Baby Dolls, Mardi Gras Indians, Skull and Bones and Zulu were born in post slavery New Orleans.It was not until 1992 when New Orleans passed legislation to desegregate krewes.
Today, the Zulu Tramps are an integral part of Mardi Gras yet draws controversy because its members wear grass skirts and blackface makeup.In 1905 the ZULU Tramps took up an African jungle theme after seeing a skit about the king of the African Zulus The performers were African-Americans in blackface.
For many blacks, the complex and disturbing history of blackface makes the Zulu taboo. The Zulu members embrace it and defend their right to express black identity in a way that embraces the Black face with or without makeup.
Lisadubois@verizon.net
xgallery.nyc@gmail.com
Make Comment/View Comments
