TT Carnival costumes

The exhibition, which runs until the end of the month, is a collection of traditional, custom-made Carnival outfits that would make a Mummie take notice.

They represent characters from the culture of Trinidad and Tobago that have been passed down from generation to generation.

According to exhibit coordinator Babacar M’bow, they are a reflection of the social customs, beliefs and mores of the islands’ varied cultural past.

One of them is Praying Mantis, with its lustrous, shimmering green body fringed with gold and set off by big orange eyes. Also included are Midnight Robber, Bat, Bookman and others.

“It is great that the people of Broward will have the opportunity to see these magnificent costumes,” said M’bow. “They are such an important slice of Caribbean life, and their exhibit will inspire pride of heritage in some, while exposing others to something culturally diverse that they might not have seen before.” The exhibit was co-organised by the Consulate General of Trinidad and Tobago and Broward Caribbean Carnival Inc.

It is on display in the sixth-floor gallery of the library at 100 S Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale until August 31.

For a peek at the exhibit you can visit the Website at www.browardlibrary.org/web/PR/carnival.htm.