Stilt Walkers @ Kiddies Carnival, Trinidad. Moko Jumbie Stilt Walkers performing At Kiddies Carnival Competition In Woodbrook, Trinidad.
Welcome to the world of the moko jumbies, the guardians of a stilt-walking tradition that originated in West Africa and migrated to the Caribbean hundreds of years ago. Their talents have been seen at Carnival celebrations in places like Trinidad and Tobago, as well as contemporary heritage events celebrating African and African-Caribbean culture in the United States.
The Moko arrived in Trinidad by “walking all the way across the Atlantic Ocean from the West coast of Africa, laden with many, many centuries of experience, and, in spite of all inhuman attacks and encounters, yet still walks tall, tall, tall. (John Cupid, Caribbean Beat)” The idea of the Moko survived by living in the hearts of African descendants during slavery and colonial life to eventually walk the streets of Trinidad in a celebration of freedom, Carnival.
A Moko Jumbie character may wear colorful garb and carnival masks. They also frequent festivals and celebrations such as Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.