Dame Lorraine or Dame Lorine (Trinidad and Tobago) Trinidad, is a historical Trinidadian Carnival character.[1]
History
editHer origins and identity can be traced back to colonial times in Trinidad and Tobago in the 18th and early 19th century, emerging from colonial French Masques.[2] Historically, Dame Lorraine masquerade featured a diverse array of performers, including not only liberated slaves and women but also cross-dressing men.[3] The character has been associated with the performances of comedy, found to be mocking both the former French colonists and their ways[2] along with satirizing the French plantation wives.[4]
She is part of a collective group of other "Ole Mas", also known as traditional mass characters.[5] The characters in traditional mas were meant to interact closely with spectators.[5] Masqueraders of Dame Lorraine would take part in elaborate skits and parodies of the early French planters.[6] These activities would take place during the event of Dimanche Gras.[6] The names of each character, including Dame Lorraine, were in French Creole. These included Ma Gwo Bunda (Madame Big Bottom) and Ma Gros Tete (Madame Big Breasts).[2] Dame Lorraine would become a part of Carnival processions as early as 1884.[4] Dame Lorraine has been associated with the performances of comedy, found to be mocking former French colonists[2] and satirizing the colonial French plantation wives.[4]
Characterization
editMany of the attributes of Dame Lorraine are from colonial European influences. She is often depicted as a large woman, having an overexaggerated bust and rear, along with wearing brightly coloured ankle length,[2] sometimes floral printed, dresses.[4] Previously, the dresses would be made out materials that were found, including rags. Sometimes as well this included a pregnant belly.[5] These were meant to hint at impure morals.[3] She is also found adorning items such as a mask to partially covers their face,[2] a fan, and embellishments and accessories such as hats, fans, and jewelry.[4] As of Today, she is predominantly depicted by women.[2]
References
edit- ^ "Dame Lorraine or Dame Lorine", Traditional Carnival Characters.
- ^ a b c d e f g Henry, Frances; Henry, Jeff (December 2019). "Stories of Resistance and Oppression: Baby Doll and Dame Lorraine". In Henry, Frances; Plaza, Dwaine (eds.). Carnival is Woman. University Press of Mississippi. pp. 43–55.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link) - ^ a b Kerrigan, Dylan (2005-01-01). "Creatures of the mas". Caribbean Beat Magazine. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ a b c d e Puar, Jasbir (3 August 2018). "Publications". jasbirkpuar.com. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ a b c Martin, Carol (1998). "Trinidad Carnival Glossary". TDR (1988-). 42 (3): 220–235. doi:10.1162/105420498760308580. ISSN 1054-2043. JSTOR 1146693.
- ^ a b "Traditional Mas Characters - Dame Lorraine". www.ncctt.org. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
External links
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