Mama Dis is Mask!

By Stephen Weir

Not so long ago,  wearing a mask in a bank was just not the done thing.  Now some local banks require clients to wear masks,  if they wish to enter the building to conduct business.

Suddenly the mask – if you can find one – has become an important part of one’s anti-virus wardrobe. But buying a mask has become an expensive and often fruitless exercise. So many people are making their own, using whatever

material they might have on hand.

The Caribbean Camera has been noticing that many of our readers are using their ingenuity to overcome supply shortages. And while some are using bits of old clothing and reclaimed elastics,  others are putting a  touch of Caribbean style into their designs too.

“ I made one of my masks using one of Saldenah’s caps,” said veteran mas’ costume maker Noel Audain. “I have to stay at home because of the Covid-19 virus. So I am just getting creative with my time!”

Audain has made a number of one-of-a-kind masks at his home in Scarborough.  One has the a design from Louis Saldenah’s mas’ band, another uses the Trinidad flag, and the third, a Carnival shirt as a filter for his masks.

His masks have gotten rave reviews on social media. He took a selfie of himself wearing his creations and supplied them to The Caribbean Camera.

Eric Delfish, another longtime carnival organizer, also used island colours in his homemade mask. “ Don’t recognize the design? It is the Antigua and Barbuda Madras,” said Delfish who modeled the mask for The Caribbean Camera.

Not everyone takes mask making seriously.  This newspaper has been in contact with a woman on Facebook who actually made two masks out of roti.  Not only can you wear them outdoors, but you can also eat when you get home.

Because people are housebound, some of the parts needed for masks, noticeable elastics, are in short supply.  We have found people using lettuce, pop cans and onions to get the job done.