The DevilThey Named Us

A photographic documentation of Jab Jab, a Caribbean carnival tradition rooted in resistance and shaped by the legacy of slavery. Through oil, chains, horns, and ritual performance, participants reclaim the image of the devil historically projected onto Black people during colonialism. Photographed during carnival celebrations in London, this work explores ritual, diaspora, identity, and the transformation of violence into spectacle and power.

CREDITS

Photography: Celso

LOCATION

London, United Kingdom

2024

portrait of Jab Jab performer wearing horned helmet and contact lenses during carnival in London

Jab Jab carnival performer holding chains while covered in black body paint during street procession

young Jab Jab performer sitting on pavement in black body paint and chains during carnival in London

close portrait of Jab Jab participant with horned helmet and chains during Caribbean carnival tradition

close portrait of Jab Jab performer covered in black paint with chains and horned helmet during carnival ritual

masked Jab Jab carnival participant covered in oil paint and holding chains during street performance

group of Jab Jab performers raising chains while covered in black oil and wearing horned helmets

carnival performer pretending to shave spectator's head during Jab Jab street performance

staged group portrait of Jab Jab performers sitting in smoke during carnival celebration