Dame Lorraine

Her origins and identity can be traced back to colonial times in Trinidad and Tobago in the 18th and early 19th century, emerging from colonial French Masques.^[2] Historically, Dame Lorraine masquerades featured a diverse array of performers, including not only liberated slaves and women but also cross-dressing men.^[3] The character has been associated with the performances of comedy, found to be mocking both the former French colonists and their ways^[2] along with satirizing the French plantation wives.^[4]

She is part of a collective group of other "Ole Mas", also known as traditional mass characters.^[5] The characters in traditional mas were meant to interact closely with spectators.^[5] Masqueraders of Dame Lorraine would take part in elaborate skits and parodies of the early French planters.^[6] These activities would take place during the event of Dimanche Gras.^[6] The names of each character, including Dame Lorraine, were in French Creole. These included Ma Gwo Bunda (Madame Big Bottom) and Ma Gros Tete (Madame Big Breasts).^[2] Dame Lorraine would become a part of Carnival processions as early as 1884.^[4] Dame Lorraine has been associated with the performances of comedy, found to be mocking former French colonists^[2] and satirizing the colonial French plantation wives.^[4]

Many of the attributes of Dame Lorraine are from colonial European influences. She is often depicted as a large woman, having an overexaggerated bust and rear, along with wearing brightly coloured ankle length,^[2] sometimes floral printed, dresses.^[4] Previously, the dresses would be made out materials that were found, including rags. Sometimes as well this included a pregnant belly.^[5] These were meant to hint at impure morals.^[3] She is also found adorning items such as a mask to partially covers their face,^[2] a fan, and embellishments and accessories such as hats, fans, and jewelry.^[4] As of Today, she is predominantly depicted by women.^[2]