A call for more Research in Montserrat's Masquerades

Author Dr Barnes has called for research locally, to determine the meaning of all aspects of masquerading-dress, sound scapes, movement and origins.

She made the appeal at the 10th International Conference of Carnival and Masquerade, which took place last week, organized by the of School of Creative Arts (SCA), University of Education, Winneba, Ghana.

The theme this year was Arts: Tradition, Connection, Innovation and Decolonisation.

During her presentation Dr. Barnes noted that there is also a need for research on the now defunct Jumbie Dance, as the practices are allied.

She also observed that within these cultural practices lie keys to our identity and the preservation of history which go beyond festival and carnival representations.

According to her such research may reveal the determination of our enslaved ancestors and the post emancipation population to celebrate freedom inspite of existence within horribly constraining systems.

The unique three-day conference and five-day Carnival and Masquerade Arts workshop event explored the meanings and value of Carnival and Masquerade Arts, knowledge exchange, and shared experiences and practices across a range of themes.

Among the delegates were persons diverse places across the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, North America, South America and Oceania.

Dr. Barnes is the author of the soon to be launched book “ Montserrat Masquerade and Jumbie Dance.”