The Committee

1. Takes note that Grenada has nominated Shakespeare Mas’, a traditional component of Carriacou’s annual Carnival (No. 02138) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

In Grenada, Shakespeare Mas’ combines elements of speechmaking, costume design and public theatre. Practitioners, called ‘kings’, compete against each other, reciting passages from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, historical texts, Bible verses and rhetorical boasts meant to show their prowess with words and language. Incorrect recitations are met with a symbolic lash on a padded headpiece for dramatic effect. An integral part of Carriacou’s annual Carnival celebrations, Shakespeare Mas’ may reflect an imitation of the colonial classroom. The Grenadine island engages with the masquerade as a form of social cohesion that unites Carriacouans in a celebration of culture, artistic creativity and national identity. Traditionally, it was an honour for a father to pass his skills on to his son or male family members. Skills were also obtained by observing and mimicking players in the community. The practice now includes women and girls and is transmitted through school curricula and other organized activities. Socially, Shakespeare Mas’ bonds villagers together. Culturally, it ensures the longevity and transmission of this 100-year-old practice that rose from the diverse cultures forcibly brought together under the conditions of slavery. Carriacouan pride is exhibited each year when the different communities compete and celebrate the victories of their so-called kings.

2. Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

R.1:   Shakespeare Mas’ combines elements of speechmaking, creativity of costume making and public theatre. Practitioners and bearers include men and women masqueraders, families and the community. The knowledge and skills are transmitted informally from the older generations to young ones, especially fathers to their sons and nephews, while women pass it on to their daughters and nieces. The practice is also passed on formally through school curricula and other organized activities. The element promotes social cohesion by bringing villagers together to rally behind their teams. The element is also a means of keeping past cultural memories, and connecting people to each other and to the larger society.

R.2:   The nomination file links the element to peace and social cohesion. Shakespeare Mas’ brings Grenadians together in celebration of their history and culture. It is a peaceful celebration of the island’s dramatic creative arts that welcomes visitors from all over the region. It unites and shares culture in an inviting and celebratory atmosphere.

R.3:   There are various proposed safeguarding measures developed with the efforts of individuals and communities to ensure the viability of the element. These measures include: (a) training offered by individual practitioners to younger generations such as students in primary and secondary schools; (b) financial support to bands from the government and other statutory bodies such as the Grenada Tourism Authority; and (c) social media promotions to enhance practice of the element. Educational and promotional campaigns and videos are also being created to further promote the element. The file outlines the efforts of dedicated practitioners to ensure the element’s transmission.

R.4: Throughout the nomination process, the communities, groups and individuals concerned were engaged in the nomination process. The bearers and practitioners highlighted areas of concern regarding threats to the viability and continuity of the element. They also participated in the research, documentation and planning of the safeguarding measures. One-to-one consultations were held to obtain consent letters from the communities. Players pledged to provide training to children through educational activities and summer programmes. The video provided additional information about community involvement in the nomination of the element.

3. Further considers that, from the information included in the file and the information provided by the submitting State through the dialogue process, the nomination satisfies the following criterion for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

R.5:   The element was included on the Grenada National Trust Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory in 2022, and the inventory is maintained by the Grenada National Trust. Although the State has not submitted a periodic report, through the dialogue process, the State provided clarification on the inventorying process which is initiated and led by the communities of performers and supporters, with regular support from the Carriacou & Petite Martinique Festivals Board, Grenada Cultural Foundation and Grenada National Trust. Updating of the inventory is also led by the communities. The reference of the element in the national inventory is provided as Grenada National Trust ‘Proud of My Heritage’ Project and ICH Inventory List, 2022: Shakespeare Mas. Updating of the inventory is carried out every time new information is generated after a performance. Performances are primarily conducted once a year in February or March.

4. Decides to inscribe Shakespeare Mas’, a traditional component of Carriacou’s annual Carnival on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
5. Commends the State Party for submitting an improved file that took into consideration the recommendations from the Evaluation Body in 2022.