CARNIVAL CORNER: Baby Doll & Jab Molassie

Its that special time of year again in Trinidad and Tobago when we celebrate Carnival. In light of the festivities over the next few weeks Behind D Curtain will take a closer look at some of the traditional characters that have helped to created what is now deemed "The Greatest Show on Earth".

BABY DOLL

The baby doll character was portrayed mainly in the 1930's, but is still seen every year at Ole Mas competitions. The masquerader portrays a gaily dressed woman, decked out in a frilled dress and bonnet. In her arms she carries a doll which symbolizes an illegitimate baby. The masquerader usually stops male passers-by and accuses them of being the baby's father. She would then demand money to buy milk for the baby. This character was sometimes portrayed by a man who would speak in a high pitched voice. 

JAB MOLASSIE
The Jab Molassie is one of several varieties of devil mas played in Trinidad and Tobago Carnival. The costume consists of short pants or pants cut off at the knew, a mask and horns. The Jab Molassie would carry chains, and wear locks and keys around his waist, and carry a pitch fork. He may smear his body with grease, tar, mud or coloured dyes (red, green or blue). The Jab Molassie "wines" or gyrates to a rhythmic beat that is played on tins or pans by imps. While some of his imps supply music, others hold his chain, seemingly restraining him aas he pulls against them in his wild dance. The differences among the various forms of devil mas were once distinct, but have become blurred over time.