The traditions of the Mardi Gras Indians go back more than a century, and their activities are integral to the cultural heritage of blacks in New Orleans. Their importance to the community goes much deeper than can be understood from simply observing their participation in the annual festivities wearing elaborately beaded costumes. This colorful photographic portrait is supplemented with text describing the sociological issues surrounding the Mardi Gras Indians and their cultural significance. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.