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Inside Black New Orleans' Most Sacred Ritual

Host Tank Ball explores how rituals across the south reveal complexities of the past and new possibilities for the future. Throughout the series, Tank meets with community members, culture bearers, and historians to observe the ways that placing ceremonial boundaries around death, environmental stewardship, and collective renewal shapes a community's sense of reality.

Inside Black New Orleans' Most Sacred Ritual

Season 1 Episode 3 | 13m 31s | CC

The centuries old traditions of the Black Masking Indians continue to thrive in New Orleans with the most iconic being Super Sunday. Most outsiders stand in awe of Mardi Gras Indians’ elaborate suits, but due to the secrecy of this ritual few understand its origins. Join Tank Ball as she meets Masking Indians and explores one of the most sacred rituals in New Orleans.

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Funding for RITUAL is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.