In the Making: Demond Melancon

On Thursday, February 3, we held a conversation with Demond Melancon, Big Chief of the Young Seminole Hunters. For the past 30 years, Demond has been an integral part of the Black Masking Culture of New Orleans. This conversation gives an in-depth look into Demon's journey, practice, process, and materials.

Each year for Mardi Gras, Demond creates immense, intricately hand-beaded suits made up of elaborate patches depicting significant or untold Black and Native American stories. He works over 12 hours a day with microbeads and rhinestones, creating these sculptural body suits for ceremonial fights on Mardi Gras, St. Joseph's Day, and Super Sunday.

Demond's website: https://www.demondmelancon.com/

Links mentioned during the conversation:
Big Chief Allison "Tootie" Montana:    • Remembering Big Chief Tootie Montana  
Photographer Christopher Porché West: http://www.porche-west.com/
The Life and Legend of Bras-Coupé: https://lsupress.org/books/detail/lif...
Backstreet Cultural Museum: https://www.backstreetmuseum.org/
https://www.feedthesecondline.org/

"In the Making" is a public programs series where we connect with a range of new voices, fields, and perspectives. Learn more and view a full list at https://www.nbss.edu/in-the-making