Every time I hear the expression "Shakespeare Mas", I get goose bumps!
First of all, we the people of Carriacou never gave our masquerade that name.
It was Frances Kay, a foreigner who came to the islands in the 70's who referred to it by that name. I can only surmise that it was the result of some of the "speeches" that are recited by the players.
She was an outsider who never attempted to research her topics thoroughly by interviewing knowledgeable Carriacouians. From my memory of her, she was not a sociable person. So many of her conclusions/findings/interviews on the Carriacou society, I accept with a certain measure of skepticism.
The so-call "Shakespeare Mas" was what we knew as "Fighting Mas" and that was their goal/objective- fighting.
The "mas" men were divided into two groups- Ban Roy (Ban Roi) from the south of the island of Carriacou and Heroes from the northern parts. The groups from each village banded together after their ritualistic "battles" and performances and headed to the next village along the route. Their ultimate destination was Hillsborough to confront their rivals who had engaged in similar "battles".
Now the "war" began and many adult men who had held grudges saw this as a time for revenge.
So young men were pushed aside and older and stronger men jumped into the fray and a melee ensured. There were numerous injuries like busted head, loss of teeth and broken arms. Weapons were forbidden but some men carried "brass knuckles" so as to inflict greater injury on their opponent.
Many men from both North and South became famous for their strength and skills in fighting. It was usual to see men as well as spectators fleeing for their lives. Some even sought refuge in the sea or in people's houses.
When these confrontations became too violent and bloody, the Law intervened and put many restrictions on Fighting Mas. Some of the fighters ended up in the Courts which ultimate removed the thrill and excitement of the Fighting Mas and turned into a spectacle for tourists.
First of all, we the people of Carriacou never gave our masquerade that name.
It was Frances Kay, a foreigner who came to the islands in the 70's who referred to it by that name. I can only surmise that it was the result of some of the "speeches" that are recited by the players.
She was an outsider who never attempted to research her topics thoroughly by interviewing knowledgeable Carriacouians. From my memory of her, she was not a sociable person. So many of her conclusions/findings/interviews on the Carriacou society, I accept with a certain measure of skepticism.
The so-call "Shakespeare Mas" was what we knew as "Fighting Mas" and that was their goal/objective- fighting.
The "mas" men were divided into two groups- Ban Roy (Ban Roi) from the south of the island of Carriacou and Heroes from the northern parts. The groups from each village banded together after their ritualistic "battles" and performances and headed to the next village along the route. Their ultimate destination was Hillsborough to confront their rivals who had engaged in similar "battles".
Now the "war" began and many adult men who had held grudges saw this as a time for revenge.
So young men were pushed aside and older and stronger men jumped into the fray and a melee ensured. There were numerous injuries like busted head, loss of teeth and broken arms. Weapons were forbidden but some men carried "brass knuckles" so as to inflict greater injury on their opponent.
Many men from both North and South became famous for their strength and skills in fighting. It was usual to see men as well as spectators fleeing for their lives. Some even sought refuge in the sea or in people's houses.
When these confrontations became too violent and bloody, the Law intervened and put many restrictions on Fighting Mas. Some of the fighters ended up in the Courts which ultimate removed the thrill and excitement of the Fighting Mas and turned into a spectacle for tourists.
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