T-shirts, baseball caps and yes even roti - how the community is making their own masks

Strange Masks For The New Times

By Stephen Weir

Noel's homemade hat mask

There was a time not that long ago when wearing a mask into a bank was not the done thing.  This week?  Some local banks require clients to wear masks if they want to enter the building to do their finances.

Suddenly the mask – if you can find one – has become an important part of one’s anti-virus wardrobe.  Attempting to buy a mask has become an expensive and often fruitless exercise, so much so that people are making their own, using 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 they are using bits of old clothing, odd bits of linen and reclaimed elastic to handcraft personal maks, a few are putting a bit of Caribbean influence into their designs too.

Noel's masks at left

“ 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!”
Mr. 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 has a Carnival shirt as a facemask filter.
Audian's masks have gotten rave reviews on social media. He took this selfie while wearing his creations and zipped them to me.

Eric Delfish Mask at right

Eric Delfish, another long-time 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 me and sent this picture along.

Not everyone is serious about the masks that they make. I have been in contact with a woman on Facebook who actually made two masks out of Roti.  Not only can you wear them outdoors, but also, you can eat when you get home!

Roti Mask at left

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

More examples  can be seen on my Facebook accounts.

Facebook Lettuce Mask!