More of the stuff, and a book to look up:

Jen,
Dug around last nite in my boxes of New Orleans "stuff" and I did locate three articles cited in Jason Berry's "Up from the Cradle of Jazz." Girl, get this book if it's still in print. It goes into great length about the Mardi Gras Indian tradition as part of its study of New Orleans R&B. The first article circa 1973 is by none other than Allison Miner. This is a 2 page overview of Indian traditons. Second article is about the Indians past and present by Joan M. Martin. Anyone know about her? Basically discussing the change from the more violent/ritualized traditions pre WWII to the competition to id the "prettiest" Indian post WWII. Also has a few paragraphs about the legendary "Brother Tillman" of the "White Eagles"(and other gangs). The third article is "Creativity in the songs of the Mardi Gras Indians of New Orleans,La." by Finn Welhelmsen. This Scandinavian actually was a member of the Black Eagles. My husband and I spent some time with him a few years ago. God bless him...he's an inspiration and I hope he is well. Anyway, in this article he discusses "Two-way Pokowee" as a song urging other tribes to get out of the way, "Big Chief wants plenty of fire water" is a begging song, "Shoo fly don't bother me", a ring dance song transformed into a warning to get out of the way. Also discusses how the words in the song can vary depending on the actual action occurring at a parade. The folk process in action! Nothing mentioned about Iko Iko. Enough of the scholarly stuff...bottom line...when Ernie K-Doe said "I'm not sure but I think all music started in New Orleans" I think he was talking about the chants and rhythms of the Mardi Gras Indians!