Although they have paraded for over a century, Mardi Gras Indians are very guarded and mostly out of the mainstream Mardi Gras celebration. But as early as the mid-19th century, African American men dressed for Mardi Gras in hand-crafted costumes influenced by Native American design. The costume tradition acknowledges that Native American communities aided African slaves in their quest for freedom.

In the late 19th and early 20th century, the tribes had a reputation for violent fights with each other. This part of Mardi Gras Indian history is immortalized in James Sugar Boy Crawford's song, Jock O Mo (often covered as Iko Iko), based on their taunting chants. As the 20th century progressed, fights gave way to assertions of status: better costumes, songs, and dances. Now people run towards them for the colorful spectacle.

The Mardi Gras Indians play various traditional roles. These roles include the "big chief", the "spy boy" who goes out in front of the group, the "flag boy" who bears the tribe's standard and uses it to communicate between the big chief and the spy boy, and the "medicine man". Each "Indian" makes his own costume, assisted by family and friends to sew elaborate bead and feather work. A big chief's costume can weigh up to 150 pounds (68 kg) and cost up to USD 5,000. A new costume is required each year.

In 1984, the tribe Fi Yi Yi: Spirit of the Mandingo Warrior was formed by Big Chief Victor Harris. Fi Yi Yi incorporate African influenced designs into their costumes, along with Native American themes. View a video of Fi Yi Yi performing a signature Mardi Gras Indian song.