Shaka Zulu
New Orleans Black Masking craftsman & stiltdancer
African American
New Orleans, LA
“This award empowers me to continue my practices with enhanced resources and support, allowing for greater community engagement and cultural transmission. It signifies a validation of my role as a cultural leader and a bridge between generations, ensuring that our rich heritage is sustained and celebrated. ”
Shaka Zulu
Big Chief Shaka Zulu, Carnival Procession 2023 wearing his suit: The BLOOMING OF THE MOSASAUR. Photo by Naimah Zulu.
Photo by Jordan Lorrius.
Big Chief Shaka Zulu wears his 'Monkey Mosaic' suit at Uptown Super Sunday as part of the 2024 Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans. Photo by Michelle Dashev.
Photo by Jordan Lorrius.
Big Chief Shaka Zulu places his Hand Sewn Crown at Super Sunday Uptown 2024, New Orleans. Photo by Michelle Dashev.
Photo by Diane Danthony.
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A commitment to cultural preservation & modern inclusivity
Shaka Zulu, a 2022 National Endowment for the Arts Folk Heritage Fellow, is a master of New Orleans Indigenous Masking Society suit design, an art form rooted in the city’s Indigenous and African culture. Trained under Chief Darryl Montana, son of Chief Tootie Montana, Zulu excels in the “downtown” suit-making tradition, known for its three-dimensional designs. As Big Chief of the Golden Feather Hunters, his intricate suits, requiring a year of sewing and design, are showcased during Mardi Gras, St. Joseph’s Night, and Super Sunday.
In addition to suit design, Zulu preserves the West African tradition of stilt dancing, which symbolizes balance and success. Initiated into this sacred art over 40 years ago, he innovatively adapted it to include women by creating a stilt dancing entity for his daughter, Free Spirit. This adaptation underscores his commitment to cultural preservation and modern inclusivity.
Zulu’s work extends beyond performance; he deconstructs his masking suits to create limited edition framed artworks sold in galleries and at festivals. His dedication to teaching ensures that the rich traditions of the New Orleans Indigenous Masking Society and stilt dancing continue to thrive across generations.
What does being a Taproot Fellow mean to you in your practice and community?
Being a Taproot artist means receiving profound recognition for my dedication to preserving and promoting the New Orleans Indigenous Masking Society traditions and stiltdancing. This award empowers me to continue my practices with enhanced resources and support, allowing for greater community engagement and cultural transmission. It signifies a validation of my role as a cultural leader and a bridge between generations, ensuring that our rich heritage is sustained and celebrated. The fellowship provides the opportunity to amplify my impact, foster intergenerational collaboration, and promote cultural resilience within my community. This honor strengthens my commitment to cultural preservation.
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