Jab Jab, Blue Devils & more: The traditional mas characters that define Carnival.

Blue Devils perform in Paramin, 2022.

Meet the traditional mas characters: From Jab Jab to Fancy Sailor

Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival is a vibrant tapestry of culture, history, and creativity, celebrated globally for its dazzling costumes, pulsating music, and dynamic performances. At the heart of this spectacle lies traditional mas—a collection of masquerade characters rooted in the island’s African, Indigenous, European, and East Indian heritage. These traditional mas characters, born from resistance, satire, and cultural fusion, tell stories of survival, identity, and freedom.

While modern Carnival often emphasises glitter and glamour, Traditional Mas preserves the soul of the festival, offering a window into its complex past. In this article, we explore the iconic characters of Traditional Mas, from the haunting Jab Jab to the elegant Fancy Sailor, uncovering their origins, symbolism, and enduring legacy.

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The heart of Carnival: Trinidad’s most legendary traditional mas characters

1. Jab Jab: The devil in shining armour

The Jab Jab, derived from the French Patois “diable diable” (little devil), is one of Carnival’s most mesmerising yet intimidating figures. Clad in horned helmets, shimmering chains, and blackened skin from head to toe (traditionally using molasses or engine oil), Jab Jabs parade through the streets wielding whips and chanting menacingly.

This character emerged post-emancipation as formerly enslaved Africans mocked plantation owners by mimicking their oppressive tactics. The chains symbolise bondage, while the act of “jabbing” (playful lashing) represents reclaiming power. Today, Jab Jab bands, often accompanied by drummers, blend menace with revelry, embodying resistance and liberation.

2. Jab Molassie: The fiery trickster

Often confused with Jab Jab, the Jab Molassie (molasses devil) is a distinct character tied to Trinidad’s sugarcane plantations. Covered in sticky molasses mixed with mud or paint, Jab Molassies wield pitchforks and torches, their bodies glistening under the sun.

Their origins trace back to Canboulay riots of the 1880s, where freed Africans reenacted the burning cane fields (cannes brulées) during harvest protests. The molasses—a byproduct of sugar—serves as a visceral reminder of slavery’s brutality. Unlike the organised Jab Jab bands, Jab Molassies are solitary tricksters, darting through crowds to startle spectators, their chaotic energy symbolising rebellion against colonial order.

3. Blue Devils: The guardians of tradition

The Blue Devils of Paramin, a mountain village in Trinidad, are among Carnival’s most visually striking figures. Adorned in azure body paint, ragged blue costumes, and grotesque masks, they carry pitchforks and spears while growling and stomping to the beat of kettle drums. This tradition, unique to Paramin, blends African spiritual practices with French Catholic influences.

The blue hue represents the Virgin Mary, while their aggressive performance wards off evil spirits. Historically, Blue Devils guarded Carnival celebrations from colonial authorities attempting to suppress Afro-Trinidadian culture. Their raw, untamed presence contrasts sharply with modern mas, making them a living testament to resilience.

4. Bookman: The keeper of sins

The Bookman, or “Policeman”, is a lesser-known but pivotal figure in Traditional Mas. Dressed in a stark black suit, white gloves, and a tall hat, he carries a large book and pen, theatrically documenting spectators’ “sins”.

Rooted in Yoruba traditions, the Bookman parodies colonial bureaucrats and religious figures who policed morality during slavery. His exaggerated performance—mocking record-keeping and judgement—subverts authority, turning surveillance into satire. Though rarely seen today, the Bookman’s legacy underscores Carnival’s role as a space for social commentary and accountability.

5. Dame Lorraine: The aristocratic mimic

The Dame Lorraine is a flamboyant caricature of 18th-century French plantation wives. With oversized padded hips, bosoms, and elaborate feathered hats, this character minces through the streets, speaking in falsetto and fanning themselves theatrically.

Enslaved Africans created the Dame Lorraine to mock the pretentious manners of the colonial elite, using humour to dismantle their oppressors’ self-importance. Over time, the character evolved into a comedic staple, often performed by men in drag. Today, Dame Lorraine troupes blend slapstick comedy with calypso music, keeping alive the art of subversive parody.

6. Midnight Robber: The master of words

The Midnight Robber, a towering figure in a broad-brimmed hat, flowing cape, and skeletal motifs, is Carnival’s quintessential storyteller. Armed with a wooden pistol or coffin-shaped prop, he delivers grandiose, rhyming speeches (“robber talk”) boasting of his mythical exploits.

This tradition draws from West African griots (oral historians) and the resistance of outlaw figures like Trinidad’s legendary bandits. The Robber’s exaggerated bravado and intricate costumes—often adorned with crosses and skulls—symbolise defiance against death and oppression. His theatrical monologues, a blend of humor and menace, highlight Carnival’s role as a platform for oral heritage.

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7. Pierrot Grenade: The witty wordsmith

Pierrot Grenade, a fusion of French Pierrot (clown) and Grenadian influences, is a comedic genius clad in colourful patches, ruffles, and a distinctive cone-shaped hat. Armed with a whistle and a sharp tongue, he performs improvised speeches in a mix of English, French Patois, and Spanish, dazzling crowds with wordplay and satire.

Born in the 19th century, Pierrot Grenade symbolised the working-class “everyman”, using humour to critique social issues. His name references “grenade” (pomegranate), symbolising the explosive power of language. Today, his legacy thrives in calypso and spoken-word performances.

8. Burrokeet: The dancing hybrid

The Burrokeet, a whimsical fusion of donkey and human, is a folk character with roots in Venezuelan and Spanish traditions. The dancer wears a bamboo-and-cloth frame shaped like a donkey, skillfully mimicking the animal’s movements through lively jigs and spins.

Originating from pre-Lenten festivals, the Burrokeet symbolises fertility and hybridity, reflecting Trinidad’s multicultural identity. Its playful dance often accompanies parang (Spanish-influenced Christmas music), bridging Carnival and holiday festivities. Though less common today, the Burrokeet remains a charming emblem of cultural synthesis.

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9. Moko Jumbie: The skyward sentinel

The Moko Jumbie, or stilt-walker, towers above Carnival crowds in vibrant costumes and towering stilts, sometimes reaching 15 feet high. Originating from West African spiritual practices, “Moko” refers to a god, while “jumbie” means ghost in Caribbean folklore.

Traditionally, Moko Jumbies were believed to protect villages by seeing evil spirits from afar. Enslaved Africans brought this tradition to Trinidad, where it evolved into a celebratory art form. Today, Moko Jumbies dazzle with acrobatic dances, their elevated presence symbolising aspiration and vigilance.

10. Fancy Indian: The indigenous homage

The Fancy Indian, distinct from the more solemn “Wild Indian”, is a vibrant tribute to Trinidad’s Indigenous peoples. Adorned in feathered headdresses, beadwork, and elaborate loincloths, this character performs energetic dances inspired by Amerindian rituals.

Emerging in the early 20th century, Fancy Indian mas blends Indigenous motifs with Afro-Caribbean aesthetics, often incorporating sequins and modern materials. While criticised for cultural appropriation, many bands collaborate with Indigenous communities to ensure respectful representation, turning the costume into a bridge between past and present.

11. Wild Indian: The warrior spirit

The Wild Indian, inspired by Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans, is a fierce warrior character adorned with feathered headdresses, face paint, and fringed costumes. Unlike the Fancy Indian, Wild Indians perform aggressive, ritualistic dances accompanied by conch shell horns and chants.

This mas emerged in the 19th century as Afro-Trinidadians reimagined Indigenous resistance against colonisation. Though historically problematic, contemporary bands emphasise cultural education, honouring the resilience of both Indigenous and African ancestors.

12. Bat: The nocturnal trickster

The Bat masquerade, with its winged costumes and grotesque masks, is rooted in folklore and African animism. Performers mimic bats’ erratic flight, swooping down to “scare” onlookers. This character symbolises the supernatural, blending fear and fascination with the unknown.

Bats were also linked to obeah (African-derived spirituality), making this mas a subtle nod to Afro-Caribbean mysticism. Though rare today, Bat mas remains a hauntingly creative fixture in rural Carnival celebrations.

13. Cow Bandits: The satirical herders

Cow Bandits, dressed as cowboys with bandanas, fringed vests, and toy guns, parody Hollywood Westerns while critiquing colonial land disputes. Emerging in the 1940s, this mas satirised American cultural imperialism and local “bandit” stereotypes.

Troupes often stage mock shootouts, blending humour with commentary on power dynamics. The Cow Bandit’s enduring popularity reflects Carnival’s knack for turning global pop culture into local satire.

14. Minstrels: The musical satirists

Minstrels, with blackface makeup, white gloves, and banjos, are a controversial yet historically significant mas.

Originating from 19th-century American minstrel shows, Trinidadian performers reclaimed the stereotype, using it to mock racism and subvert Eurocentric beauty standards. Though largely phased out due to its offensive roots, the Minstrel’s legacy underscores Carnival’s complex relationship with cultural appropriation and resistance.

15. Fancy Sailor: The nautical dandy

The Fancy Sailor, a glittering evolution of the “Sailor Mas”, dazzles in sequined naval uniforms, sashes, and peaked caps. Originating from post-WWII celebrations, this mas reimagined British and American sailors as symbols of freedom and modernity.

Troupes like “North Stars” and “White Sailors” popularised synchronised marches and intricate choreography, blending military precision with Carnival’s flamboyance. Today, Fancy Sailors honour Trinidad’s maritime history while embodying the joy of reinvention.

The Soul of Carnival

Traditional Mas is more than a spectacle—it’s a living archive of Trinidad and Tobago’s tumultuous history and cultural resilience. Each character, from the fiery Jab Jab to the eloquent Midnight Robber, carries stories of resistance, identity, and community. As modern Carnival evolves, preserving these traditions becomes vital to understanding the festival’s soul.

By celebrating Traditional Mas, we honour the creativity and courage of those who turned oppression into art, ensuring their legacies dance on for generations. Whether you’re a reveller or spectator, experiencing these characters firsthand is a journey into the heart of Caribbean heritage.

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