New additions feature spectacular suits and works by legendary Big Chiefs and Big Queens alongside artist Marcus Brown’s “Adinkra Hall: Forged Connections.”
NEW ORLEANS , LA, UNITED STATES, August 26, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — JAMNOLA, the award-winning immersive art and cultural experience in New Orleans, is unveiling a new collection of Black Masking Indian suits and relics by Big Chiefs and Big Queens, alongside a new interactive installation exploring connections between West African Adinkra symbols and New Orleans ironwork.
On view through Mardi Gras, this rotating exhibition brings together spectacular suits, hand-beaded patches and designs as part of JAMNOLA’s “Nkombo Spaceship NOLA” installation with narrative by historic Big Queen Gina Montana.
At the center are the extraordinary 2023 “Golden Crown” Suits by Big Chief Victor Harris and Big Queen Cinnamon Black of the Spirit of Fi Yi Yi and Mandingo Warriors tribe. Hand-sewn over the course of a year, the suits feature intricate beadwork, towering feathers and cowrie shells honoring African heritage.
Big Chief Victor Harris has dedicated more than five decades to Black Masking Indian culture after learning under legendary Chief of Chiefs Allison “Tootie” Montana. Together, these suits pay tribute to Montana and his lasting influence on the tradition. Black Masking Indians of New Orleans are also known as Mardi Gras Indians.
New: “Adinkra Hall: Forged Connections”
Another exciting addition is “Adinkra Hall: Forged Connections” by artist Marcus Brown, an 8-foot-by-8-foot sculptural and interactive exhibit exploring visual connections between traditional West African Adinkra symbols and New Orleans’ ornamental ironwork. Five large-scale, interactive Adinkra symbols—Sankofa, Asase Ye Duru, Dwennimmen, Hye Won Hye and Nyame Dua—are paired with salvaged and newly fabricated New Orleans-style ironwork, inviting visitors to explore similarities in pattern, form and symbolism across cultures, generations and materials.
Part sculpture, educational exhibit and interactive sound environment, Forged Connections encourages visitors to observe, compare and consider the African influences woven throughout New Orleans’ visual culture.
Additional Featured Black Masking Indian Tribe members that contributed include:
Big Queen Pretty (Denita Barlow) – Flaming Arrows
Big Chief Kevin Goodman – Flaming Arrows
Big Chief Jeremy Stevenson – Monogram Hunters
Big Chief Pie (Tyrone Stevenson) – Monogram Hunters
Queen Chunader Dawson – Monogram Hunters
Big Queen Gina Montana – Yellow Pocahontas
Big Queen Laurita Dollis – Wild Magnolias
Big Chief Gerard “Bo” Dollis, Jr. – Wild Magnolias
“Black Masking Indian culture is one of New Orleans’ greatest traditions,” said Jonny Liss, JAMNOLA Founder. “We’re honored to share these incredible works and the stories behind them. With “Forged Connections,” we’re also giving visitors a new way to explore the African influences that continue to shape the art and culture of New Orleans.”
Visitors looking for things to do in New Orleans can experience the new installations at JAMNOLA, located at 940 Frenchmen Street.
For tickets and more information, visit JAMNOLA.com.
ABOUT JAMNOLA
JAMNOLA (Joy, Art & Music – New Orleans) is the city’s premier immersive art attraction, featuring 29 exhibits created by more than 100 local artists. Located at 940 Frenchmen Street, the 10,000-square-foot space celebrates the culture, creativity, and resilience of New Orleans through bold, interactive installations designed for visitors of all ages. JAMNOLA was co-founded by Bywater residents Jonny Liss and Chad Smith, with creative direction by Cat Todd and Collin Ferguson of Where Y’Art Works.
Amber Soletti
Intellectual Blonde PR
email us here
Artist Marcus Brown interacts with “Adinkra Wall: Forged Connections,” his new interactive JAMNOLA installation
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Media gallery
