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These four original float designs are from the Krewe of Proteus and range in date from 1882 to 1904. Proteus was created in 1882 by a group of young men associated with the New Orleans Cotton Exchange who grew impatient with the long waiting lists for membership in the older krewes of Comus and Momus.

According to Carnival historian Henri Schindler, Proteus was the first Carnival krewe with a sizable Creole membership and a Creole Captain (the krewe captain organizes a krewe's activities, such as parades and balls. A krewe's King and Queen are usually ceremonial positions of honor).

The original designs are approximately 16 by 20 inches. As working designs, these drawings occasionally have penciled notes scrawled on them. Most commonly, the title of the float, the year, that year's theme, or the number of the float in the parade may be written on the design.

•  To view a larger version of each design and more information about each float, select an image to the right.

Special Collections

Howard-Tilton Memorial Library