Black Indian - Nari Approo

Nari Approo with a papier maché mask of an Imp

Nari Approo is a true carnival master of his craft; Robber Talk, Lucifer, Black Indian, Fancy Sailor, Jab Molassi and Imp. He says that he is one of the best dancers of dancing the mas in the history of Trinidad carnival. This gem of a man works mostly with wire bending and papier maché. But at venues leading up to carnival, his stamina show through as a prime masquerader. He can wail, chip and recite the Black Indian talk wearing a costume that can weigh over 40 pounds, and in tropical temperatures exceeding 30 degrees. Traditional mas players such as Nari are important to the history of Trinidad and Tobago in keeping the traditions of old time mas alive.


One of his heavy carnival costumes
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Terms and meaning

Traditional carnival characters to Trinidad and Tobago- Midnight Robber, Lucifer, Black Indian, Fancy Sailor, Jab Molassi and Imp

Dancing the mas - The way a masquerader should perform in his costume and that of its role

Old time mas - Traditional carnival from Trinidad and Tobago

Wail, Chip - A type of carnival dance