Traditional Mas Characters: Moko Jumbie, Midnight Robber & More
Long before feathers and sequins, carnival had its cast of folkloric characters. Meet the traditional mas figures and the stories they carry.
Modern "pretty mas" is only part of the story. Carnival's oldest costumes are its traditional mas characters — folkloric figures, each with a role and a story. This guide introduces the best-known ones.
Moko Jumbie
The Moko Jumbie is the towering stiltwalker of carnival — a guardian spirit with roots in West African tradition, said to watch over the community from on high. Moko Jumbies bring awe and height to the road.
Midnight Robber
The Midnight Robber is a boastful, theatrical character in a wide-brimmed hat, known for elaborate "robber talk" — grandiose, poetic speeches that show off verbal skill and menace in equal measure.
Jab Molassie
Jab Molassie (from the French diable — devil, and molasses) is the devil mas: performers cover themselves in oil, mud, paint, or molasses, playing mischievous, provocative devils. It is central to J'ouvert.
Dame Lorraine
Dame Lorraine is a satirical character that mocked the dress and manners of the colonial upper class — a form of comic social commentary through costume.
Pierrot Grenade & others
The Pierrot Grenade, the Fancy Sailor, the Bat, and the Baby Doll are among the many other traditional characters, each preserving a piece of carnival's history.
Why they matter
Traditional mas keeps carnival's satirical, spiritual, and historical roots — its connection to Emancipation — alive alongside the modern spectacle. Learn more in our carnival guides or through our workshops.
Photo: robertsharp, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr (resized).
Frequently asked questions
What is a Moko Jumbie?+
The Moko Jumbie is carnival's stiltwalker — a towering guardian-spirit character with roots in West African tradition.
What is the Midnight Robber?+
The Midnight Robber is a theatrical carnival character known for 'robber talk' — grandiose, poetic, boastful speeches delivered in a wide-brimmed hat.
What is Jab Molassie?+
Jab Molassie is the devil mas, where performers cover themselves in oil, mud, paint, or molasses to play mischievous devils. It is central to J'ouvert.
What is Dame Lorraine?+
Dame Lorraine is a satirical traditional character that mocked the dress and manners of the colonial upper class through comic costume.
Experience it for yourself
S.O.C.A. keeps Caribbean carnival culture alive year-round through events, workshops, and our artist community.