Mardi buying Gras Scepter—Zulu 1

The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club was begun by 'The Tramps', a group of black laborers who had learned a bit about Zulu culture at a theater. With William Story as the Zulu King, they marched for the first time in 1909, largely in back streets of black neighborhoods. By 1968, they adopted a more prominent parade route and were throwing one of the most coveted of all Mardi Gras throws, the Zulu coconut, the Golden Nugget. Heavy throws, them coconuts. After lawsuits and lobbying, Louisiana absolved the Zulu organization of any liability with the so-called Coconut Bill in 1988. We honor all of the members of Zulu with an African-inspired design.

This scepter was hand-turned in wood by Wand Woman, then adorned in buying all of its regal glory by a New Orleans native who spent many a Fat Tuesday throwing trinkets from an Elks Krewe of Orleanians truck.

Each Mardi Gras Scepter is a one-of-a-kind item and no two are exactly alike. Crafted with hand-turned wood and decorated with paint, glitter, ornaments, ribbons and trims.