Fancy Indians

Fancy Indians evolved from the Wild Indians, with a focus on enhancing their masquerade each year. The headpieces became larger and more elaborate over time, to the point where a strong gust of wind could topple the masquerader and damage the intricate feathered war bonnet. To address this, panels were added to the headpieces that extended down both sides of the body, providing a stable base for even more elaborate decorations. The headpiece typically features a slightly convex disc surrounding the masquerader's face, supported by a conical base that covers the body. This disc is adorned with intricate beadwork, velvet-covered wire structures, mirrors cut into geometric shapes, and meticulously glued featherwork in dyed or natural colours.

A Fancy Indian band usually consists of just a few members: a chief, his squaw, and their child, or perhaps three chiefs accompanied by four or five less elaborately dressed warriors. In competitions, some Fancy Indians compete as individuals, though they often stay together on the streets, as they frequently need assistance in managing their heavy and elaborate costumes.