The House Of Dance And Feathers:: A Museum By Ronald W Lewis

by Rachel Breunlin, Rachel Breunlin, Helen Regis

In the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, Ronald W. Lewis has assembled a museum to the various worlds he inhabits. Built in 2003, the House of Dance & Feathers represents many New Orleans societies: Mardi Gras Indians, Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, Bone Gangs, and Parade Krewes. More than just a catalogue of the artifacts in the museum, this full-color book is a detailed map of these worlds as experienced by Ronald W. Lewis.

200 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2009

Reviews

[Katie (DoomKittieKhan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fascinating book! Before reading this book, I had never heard of the House of Dance & Feathers, of Ronald Lewis, or of this cultural recovery effort in the lower ninth ward after Katrina. This book functions as a guide book to a street culture as experienced by Lewis and that could only exist in a place like NOLA. It chronicles the history, performance, and continuation of Mardi Gras Indians, Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, Bone Gangs, and Parade Krewes in the city. I highly recommend this book for anyone planning to visit NOLA, especially during parade season, or those interested in the role of art and performance in low-income communities. While not a complete catalogue raisonné of the art/costumes created by these organizations or their role in NOLA society, the book is still a well-written and necessary manuscript - a testament to the formidable spirit of creativity that lives in the LNW.

[Eric Boyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone interested in New Orleans- as this explains the fabric of such a vital part of city’s history and future! Have read many books about New Orleans, but they never touch upon the Indian and social club traditions -such a beautiful part of the areas history. Can’t wait to get back their to see the museum.

[Brandy Dufrene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful glimpse into what makes New Orleans unique!