I considered the idea of carrying out a photoshoot based on my research of the characters in the folklore, and my research of traditional Caribbean clothing and culture. I thought that it would provide me with a stronger perspective of the characters in the folklore and would strengthen my interpretations and idea developments. I decided to draw some initial character ideas for some of the characters in the folklore that I could explore in the photoshoot.
I explored the Soucouyant, visualising them as having a beautiful otherworldly appearance but having hair of fire. In the folklore the Soucouyant moves through the forest as a ball of fire, and takes on a magnificent human form before finding her victims and drinking their blood. I played around with this idea of ethereal form and identity, as I interpret the Soucouyant as an identity stealer, according to the interview with my Grandmother. She said that the Socuouyant must be identified as someone in the village, and so I explored the idea of having many eyes from many identities. I also thought about the type of clothing she could wear, such as traditional patterned skirts and blouses, robes or even nothing at all. I thought about how the skin of the Soucouyant would look- would it be completely immune to the heat of fire, or would it be charred and damaged. This idea of burnt skin made the Socuouyant seem more terrifying and horrific, which generates the wariness and fear that the folklore tales evoke. I also considered more modern clothing inspired by the nature in the Caribbean such as lilies and Hibiscus floral patterns, and different types of hairstyles including afro-caribbean braided styles and western hairstyles.
Another character I looked at was La Diablesse/Lajabless, who I interpret having a skeletal face, traditional clothing but again could also be somewhat beautiful and alluring. Traditionally the Diablesse is supposed to lure men into the forest wearing a long dress to cover her cow foot. I thought about the long traditional Madras Jupes that are worn on special occasions, as well as the types of traditional headdress to be worn. Initially I opted for a matching patterned classic headdress, but I soon decided to try a wide brimmed hat to cover the skeletal face of the Soucouyant, as was mostly suggested in my research. I also played around with face paint and markings, as well as stereotypical horror-based designs, such as skull eye sockets dripping with blood, but I did not like this idea too much as it felt unoriginal and cliche.
Next I looked at some initial designs for the Jumbie and the Baccoo, both spirit-like creatures. I thought about connecting the Jumbie with African Yoruba spiritualism, such as the wood and nail sculptures I saw at the British Museum, that were used to attract or ward off spirits. I also thought about clothing and patterns, such as afro-caribbean printed textiles. I considered a completely different phantom-like form for the Jumbie, Which reminded me of Cesar's 'Homage a Leon' that I saw in Museu Colecao Berardo, Portugal. I imagined that the Jumbie could have a distorted face and wisps of hair as well as the long legs of the Moko Jumbie stilt dancers. The Baccoo had some similarities with the Jumbie initially, such as taking a fluid ghostly form with distorted facial features. I then thought about creating a solid body, as the Baccoo was considered to be a playful and mischievous spirit with a large body and strange face. I considered giving the Baccoo a plump body with an expressive ritual mask and face paint, that could impossibly pack itself into a glass bottle, a bit like the genie in the lamp. With this I thought about types of body painting and jewellery it could wear and what suited its behaviour.
Lastly, I designed some initial versions of the Mama Glo, who I perceived as a mermaid creature who dwells in lakes and the sea. In the folklore, the Mama Glo supposedly acts pleasant and charming, but she can be angered by the actions of humans, causing her to switch to an aggressive malicious creature. I thought about creating versions of her as a pleasant and calm being before being angered, and a horrendous threatening creature afterwards. I was inspired by the deep sea angler fish for the angered form, with small beaded eyes and large teeth, as well as the tendrils of the Caribbean Angel fish and the flying fish. I most liked the angler fish forms as it created a feeling of dread that the player would face when encountering the anger of the Mama Glo.
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