The Traditional Portrait
The Intimacy of Mas
This is my offering of an ongoing view into the lives of those who hold Carnival on their shoulders and drag ritual and rebellion forward into the spectacle of mas every year.
Some say the Midnight Robber and Pierrot Grenade have no space in the mas anymore. And perhaps they do not. They are beyond the mas, bridging the realm of truth and lie. They are masqueraders who wear their costumes daily, collecting bits and pieces of reality for the whole year, to adorn themselves in the truth of who they are in the wee hours of a Monday morning. Each piece is unique, tells their own story, and represents a part of their singular ritual.
When I started setting up the backdrop in Adam Smith Square in front of which I asked each character to pose, an official thought I was setting up my own portrayal.
This is my own tradition then, my portrayal of the portrayal, curating the artistry of our traditional mas in a non-traditional way, paying homage to the few who tell their story, our story, in the most truthful, freeing way.
Fancy Indian is a vibrant character in Trinidad and Tobago's traditional masquerade. Typically adorned in elaborate, colorful costumes adorned with feathers, beads, and sequins, the Fancy Indian represents a fusion of indigenous and Indian cultural elements. With ornate headdresses and intricate face paint, they exude a sense of regal elegance as they dance and perform during carnival celebrations, embodying the rich cultural diversity of the Caribbean nation.
Gorilla Mas would be depicted as a person wearing a full-body gorilla costume, often with realistic gorilla features such as fur, a mask resembling a gorilla's face, and sometimes exaggerated hands and feet. The masquerader might be seen dancing or interacting with onlookers during carnival celebrations.
Pierrot Grenade
Moko Jumbie
Jab Jab
Black Indians
Dame Lorraine
Baby Doll
Midnight Robber
Fireman
Fancy Sailor
Burrokeet