The Shortknee costume is made by designated mas-makers and is constructed in such a way that it can have an entirely different costume when the back is worn as the front and vice versa.Perfume Band members often use a singular fragrance to further establish their unique identity.Talcum powder is utilized by players for multiple reasons to excite the crowd, to thank spectators for contributions received or contrastingly, as a form of intimidation to spectators who have not offered to ‘pay up’.Conch Shell - In the early days, the conch shell was used to communicate an attack between bands, however it is now typically used to gather the group members.Bells or ‘wooloes’ are worn on the ankles and are used to amplify the songs and chants as members parade the streets.The bib or collar is used to distinguish the identity of the band by colour it is also decorated with mirrors.Before the coming of the Austrian and German imports, the Shortknees made their “false faces” (masks) from vegetal matter such as dry banana leaves and calabash gourds
According to the Spicemas Corporation, “These masks were once upon a time imported from Austria and Germany. The Shortknee wears a wire screen mask over a powder-whitened face. That’s because along with their vibrant, extravagant costume, members loudly chant self-composed ‘call and response’ songs as they parade through the streets, supported by the music created by their ‘woolos’ or foot bracelets with tinkling bells.Įvery member of the respective Shortknee band is dressed identically, in colorful knee-length baggy pantaloons, socks reaching to the knees, masked faces and colorful long-sleeved shirts. Shortknee mas characters are hard to miss- you may even hear them before you see them. The term “Shortknee” was coined back in the 1920s at a time when “Creole English” was replacing French Patois as the main language of Grenadians. The term "pierrot" comes from the French Creole language, meaning "clown".
Prior to the 1920s the Shortknee character was actually known as the “Grenade Pierrot”. Here are some interesting facts about this fascinating traditional mas character, which still holds a significant role in Spicemas celebrations of today. The Shortknee masquerade is typically played during Carnival events in Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique, however the ritual has also been transported abroad and has been showcased by Grenadians in the diaspora during Notting Hill Carnival in the UK, Caribana in Canada, and Labour Day in New York City. In Grenada, the Shortknee character is but one of the island’s unique traditional mas characters which holds a complexed history, reflecting both the creativity and the spirit of resistance that is associated with Carnival. Traditional Mas is a vital component of Carnival celebrations in the Caribbean, providing direct linkages to the origins of the cultural festival.Īs with all things, as times evolve, elements of traditional mas change year on year, however many of the figures we see depicted in Carnival celebrations today can be traced directly back to the early 19th century, when enslaved Africans would mimic the masquerade balls held by their colonial masters which were held prior to the Christian Lenten season, adding their own twist.
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