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2018 Fire in The Hole: Chief Victor Harris - 53 Years with Fi Yi Yi
001-2018-028
42:00 Master Camera files on Hard Drive, Mp4 Server on Camera
2018-05-05
Interviewer - Maurice Martinez
ABSTRACT: 02:33 Harris explains why he began masking, to emphasize his African heritage. 03:20 Harris reflects on how he began masking, explaining that he’d wanted to since he was a child, observing the Yellow Pocahontas in his neighborhood of the Seventh Ward. 06:20 Harris ruminates on Tootie Montana, his Chief, and how seriously he took his appearance. 07:09 Robertson explains how he linked up with Harris. 09:20 Harris describes how his masks “manifest themselves.” 14:18 Harris describes what he considers the highlight of masking, when one tribe meets another. 17:50 Phillips explains how the Fi Yi Yi drums differ from traditional bass drums, and demonstrates their rhythm and chant. 24:19 Harris introduces his grandchildren, explaining that the tribe starts very young, in efforts to keep their traditions alive. 29:39 Demonstration, “Shoo Fly, Don’t Bother Me” 34:34 Harris re-emphasizes that Chief Tootie Montana shifted the focus from physical aggression to competition over who could be the prettiest, saying the thrill of meeting other tribes is the highlight of masking. 36:31 Harris explains that the ruling of who’s prettiest is left to the people. 37:48 Harris extols the sociability and talents of Mardi Gras Indian, particularly in relief to Mardi Gras krewes like Rex, who don’t sew, sing or dance. 39:16 Harris explains that, with all the help he receives, it likely takes a full year’s time to prepare and sew each suit. 41:44 Demonstration, “Indian Red”
video recording
Public Access is available in the Archive due to copyright restrictions. Copyrights are retained by the participants. The video is available for viewing at the archive.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Archive