Its origins date back to days of the sugar estates, when freed slaves, who formerly toiled on the sugar estates, daubed themselves with the familiar and readily available molasses (a direct by-product of sugar cane) as a means of disguising themselves and playing a cheap mas.
Likewise, What is a fancy Indian?
Fancy Indian – An imaginative and elaborate form, the Fancy Indian is the most popular variety of Indian Mas. This form of Indian Mas is non-authentic; one of its main features being large decorated headpieces.
Also, What does the jab Molassie represent?
Jab molassie is a French patois term meaning “Molasses Devil” and is one of the oldest Carnival characters, dating back to the early days of Canboulay. He represents the ghost of a slave who met his death by falling into a vat of boiling molasses in a sugar factory.
Secondly, What does the Jab Jab look like?
Jab Molassie are dressed in little more than a loincloth or shorts, and smeared with colored creams, dyes, and paints. The colors generally seen are black (oil, soot, and/or molasses), blue, and red.
Furthermore What is the origin of the Blue devil? The Duke University Blue Devil originally came from a nickname, “diables bleus” given to chasseurs alpins, an elite mountain warfare infantry unit that gained recognition during World War I for their skills.
What is the difference between jab jab and jab Molassie?
Jab is the French patois for Diable (Devil), and Molassie is the French patois for Mélasse (Molasses).
What is a Blue Devil in Carnival?
One of the most iconic characters portrayed in Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, the Blue Devil, or Jab Molassie is one of the oldest forms of ‘Devil Mas’ , and is a figure with its roots firmly set in the history of the island, dating back to the enslavement of black Africans toiling on the sugar estates.
What is another name for the Negue Jadin?
The Negue Jadin (or field slave) was one such beloved Carnival costume.
Which characters are famous in the Carnival?
Vincent and Grenada have similar festivities but Trinidad and Tobago Carnival remains the greatest show on earth.
- TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS. …
- BABY DOLL. …
- BATS. …
- BOOKMAN. …
- BURROKEET. …
- COW BAND. …
- DAME LORRAINE. …
- FANCY INDIANS.
What is Midnight Robber?
The midnight Robber is one of the most recognizable traditional carnival characters. This dark and mysterious character is both loved and feared. If the ominous costume wasn’t enough, he is well equipped with an elaborate speech which would terrify his audience into parting with his or her cash.
What is Sailor Mas?
There are several variations on the sailor mas, including Free French Sailor, King Sailor, and Fancy Sailor to name a few. … The Fancy Sailor was an off-shoot of the King Sailor. The Fancy Sailor costume consists of papier-mâché headpieces, decorated and painted to look like birds, animals or plants.
What is a Blue Devil in carnival?
One of the most iconic characters portrayed in Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, the Blue Devil, or Jab Molassie is one of the oldest forms of ‘Devil Mas’ , and is a figure with its roots firmly set in the history of the island, dating back to the enslavement of black Africans toiling on the sugar estates.
What is a fancy sailor?
The Fancy Sailor was an off-shoot of the King Sailor. The fancy sailor costume consists of papier-mâché headpieces, decorated and painted to look like birds, animals or plants. The sailor outfit is decorated with ribbons, medals, braiding, swansdown and other embellishments to match the headpieces.
Who invented Moko Jumbie?
There are two main Moko Jumbie bands in Trinidad, Watusi and Kilimanjaro, as well as several smaller ones. So while the idea of the Moko came from Africa, Trinidad has made it its own.
Who first introduced Carnival?
Carnival was introduced by Portuguese settlers. It is celebrated on each of the archipelago’s nine inhabited islands. In Mindelo, São Vicente, groups challenge each other for a yearly prize. It has imported various Brazilian Carnival traditions.
Who invented Carnival?
Carnival was introduced by Portuguese settlers. It is celebrated on each of the archipelago’s nine inhabited islands. In Mindelo, São Vicente, groups challenge each other for a yearly prize. It has imported various Brazilian Carnival traditions.
Why was it called cannes brulees?
Canboulay, or properly written « Cannes Brulees », means « burning cane », and this commemorated the putting-out of cane fires during slavery. After slavery it became one of the important and deep-rooted festivals of the black people and was marked by ribald dancing and the lighted flambeaus carried in the street.
Who is the Midnight Robber character?
The Midnight Robber is one of the most beloved characters in traditional Carnival. Both his costume and his speech are distinctive. His “Robber Talk” is extravagant and egocentric, and boastful. He brags about his great ancestry, exploits, strength, fearlessness and invincibility.
What does the Midnight Robber look like?
The Robber usually has a flowing cape adorned with symbols of death, a black satin shirt, black pantaloons, and black shoes/boots. However, modern interpretations can see the Robber in a variety of colours outside of the traditional black.
What is robber talk?
Marked not only by its costuming, including a wide-brimmed hat and cape, the robber is also noted for “Robber Talk”, a boastful, articulate, and rhyming catalog of the robber’s deeds, conquests, history, and various abilities, often approaching the supernatural.
What is the meaning of traditional mas?
Many people like to play traditional characters (mas) on the streets from the past which help to preserve the various social customs of an evolving culture, that provides a vital and essential link to the country’s rich heritage. Baby Dolls. The baby doll character, which is now extinct, was played up to the 1930s.
What are the main parts of the sailor costume?
A complete sailor suits were made up of a hat or cap, middy blouse, long or short pants, skirts (for girls and small boys), and sailor hat. Other accesories might include a sleeve buttions, bow, and lanyards with brass whistles. The accessories varied, but the hat of cap was once a very important component.
What is a flour bag sailor?
Flour Bag Sailor (made out of flour bag with a sailor cap and tie) Redhead Sailor (with a hood with red hair on his head made out of rope and red dye) … and the Sea Bees (with blue dungarees and blue chamber shirts with a white sailor cap).
What is J ouvert in Trinidad?
J‘ouvert (/dʒuːˈveɪ/ joo-VAY) is a large street party held annually as part of Carnival in many Caribbean islands (primarily in the Lesser Antilles) and in areas where Caribbean peoples have immigrated.
What is a traditional Carnival character?
Traditional Mas Characters – Negue Jadin
While the slaves and free coloureds were confined to their own segregated celebrations, the plantocracy, on the other hand, was free to imitate the dress and customs of their slaves. The Negue Jadin (or field slave) was one such beloved Carnival costume.
What does the Pierrot Grenade do?
The Pierrot Grenade is the satirical descendant of the Pierrot – a finely dressed masquerader and deeply learned scholar. … The Pierrot Grenade delights in displaying his knowledge and ability to spell any word. He prances and twirls about carrying a whip made of guava or hibiscus.
Don’t forget to share this post on Facebook and Twitter !