A more complete collection of images shot and selected for consideration in the photo essay "The Whip's Crack"
Direct download a PDF of the published version by right-clicking here. Read the text of the story here.
Click on any image to view an enlargement. use the arrow keys to navigate back and forth through the gallery. Captions are available in the larger version of the photos.
Direct download a PDF of the published version by right-clicking here. Read the text of the story here.
Click on any image to view an enlargement. use the arrow keys to navigate back and forth through the gallery. Captions are available in the larger version of the photos.
Shalima Alfred organises the costumes for this year’s band
Ronaldo Alfred and Andy Grant work on the mirrored detail of the costume
Some of the potions that the Alfred family has created over the years to treat bruises and fortify courage before the game
Students of Enterprise Government School learn the craft of the shipmasters.
Students at Enterprise Government School learn the craft of whip braiding
Students of Enterprise Government School learn the craft of the shipmasters.
Students at Enterprise Government School learn the craft of whip braiding
Winston Alfred, the second generation King of the Whipmasters, and his wife at their Couva home.
Ronaldo Alfred practices his double whip technique.
Jab Jab masks await repainting on a worktable at Alfred’s Couva home
Completed costumes hang at the Alfred's Couva home
The lash plant, which Alfred dries to weave into the business end of the band’s whips
The lash plant, which Alfred dries to weave into the business end of the band’s whips
Fine weaving the tip of the rope whip
The final stage of the whip preparation is the burning off stray rope fibre
Andy Grant's injuries from a previous performance.
Ronald Alfred prepares for a performance before leaving home
Alfred prepares to apply a homemade salve to the Terrence Roopnarine’s injuries before they prepare for a performance
Alfred applies a homemade salve to his son before they prepare for a performance
The band leaves home for a performance
Ronald Alfred signs the band in for their performance at The Old Yard.
Players prepare for the band’s appearance at The Old Yard, at UWI
Ronaldo Alfred (second from left) helps players prepare for the band’s appearance at The Old Yard, at UWI
Shalima Afred prepares her husband's costume for a performance at The Old Yard.
Band members pose for a portrait before the band’s performance at The Old Yard
Young bandmembers rehearse before a performance at The Old Yard.
Young bandmembers rehearse before a performance at The Old Yard.
Bandmembers for a perform at The Old Yard.
Bandmembers for a perform at The Old Yard.
Bandmembers for a perform at The Old Yard.
Bandmembers leave after a performance at The Old Yard.
The original jab jabs leave The Old Yard for another engagement
The final stage of the whip preparation is the burning off stray rope fibre
The NCBA identification badges issued to the Alfred family.
Shalima Alfred prepares the headwear of her son Ronaldo before their performance at Victoria Square.
Shalima Alfred prepares her husband’s cape. She created this new costume for his 2012 appearances, and it was introduced at the Victoria Square competition
The Alfred family await their turn to perform at Victoria Square
Ronald Alfred and his son Ronaldo, perform the game at the Victoria Square Traditional Mas competition
Ronald Alfred and his son Ronaldo, perform the game at the Victoria Square Traditional Mas competition.
The Alfred family acknowledge the cheers of the crowd after their performance at Victoria Square
Shalima Alfred prepares a masquerader for the Picadilly Street parade.
Ronaldo Alfred takes a photo of the band’s masqueraders
Ronald Alfred leads his band on the Sunday morning parade from Picadilly Square
The Original Jab Jabs perform on Carnival Tuesday, Queen's Park Savannah.
The Original Jab Jabs perform on Carnival Tuesday, Queen's Park Savannah.
The Original Jab Jabs perform on Carnival Tuesday, Queen's Park Savannah.
