Cajun Mardi Gras masks

the long version

Here is a study of the Cajun Mardi Gras tradition and its manifestation in the work of six of the most creative and popular folk artists in two rural communities. Potic Rider and the Moreau and LeBlue families represent the largely male maskmaking traditions of Basile, Louisiana. Suson Launey, Renee Fruge, and Jackie Miller are the female counterparts in festivities held in Tee Mamou. As the communities celebrate, their masks become an intrinsic ingredient in the annual rites. This book introudces the artists, the performances, and processes of creating the fantastical masks.