Burrokeet

The Burrokeet (alternative spelling Burroquite) is a character of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival in the Caribbean Islands.

Burrokeet, derived from the Spanish word burroquito (little donkey), is constructed from bamboo so as to give the illusion of a dancer riding a small burro or donkey. This masquerade was derived from both the East Indian Hindu culture and the Venezuelan Spaniards or South American mainlands.

The costume is a well-decorated donkey's head made from coloured paper. This head is attached to a bamboo frame. The masquerader enters through a hole at the back of the donkey's neck and carries the reins in his hands, thereby creating the illusion that he is its rider. The body of the donkey is covered in a long satin skirt with a sisal (rope)tail, sometimes decorated with flowers. The bit and bridle are made of coloured cord. The rider wears a satin skirt and a large matador straw hat and dances in a way that mimmicks the antics of a donkey. He also performs a dance called Burriquite, which originated in Venezuela.

The Burroquite was brought to Trinidad by Venezuelan settlers. The Sou-Marie is from East Indian culture and is sometimes confused with the burroquite. The burroquite is a donkey, while the Sou-Marie is a queen (Rani) riding a horse and was brought to Trinidad by indentured labourers. The Sou-Marie dancer performs to tassa (drum) music.

{Please assist in finding out the time period of portrayal of this character- it is known to be becoming extinct.}