Chief Of Chiefs

Robert Nathaniel Lee and the Mardi Gras Indians of New Orleans, 1915-2001.

- Geraldine Wyckoff

Robert Nathaniel Lee, renowned as Big Chief Robbe, tells of his lifelong journey in the Mardi Gras Indian tradition as carefully as author Al Kennedy does in capturing it in Chief of Chiefs. Robbe, who sewed his first suit in 1929 as a member of the Creole Wild West, makes a point of differentiating between events that he experienced or heard about firsthand from reliable sources, which were many, and tales and dates that he makes sure to say he can’t confirm. In other words, Big Chief Robbe was a man of integrity who brought his solid values to his work ethic and daily life, and to his involvement in the Black Indian Nation.

Because of Robbe’s deep respect and admiration for his mentor, Big Chief Brother Tillman, Chief of Chiefs could almost be considered his oral biography about the legendary Mardi Gras Indian who was vital in the culture beginning in the 1920s. Through Robbe’s words, readers are privileged to follow both lives simultaneously from the time, as a young boy, Robbe would seek out the powerful Tillman just to hear him speak and watch him sew until, due to age and illness, Robbe’s Big Chief of the Creole Wild West was forced to give up the streets. It was thought that Robbe would take over the gang, in which he then held the position of spy boy, however, Brother Tillman had one request: “Baby boy, don’t take my name.” Of course, Robbe respectfully honored his entreaty.