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Arawak - Love, Power, Unity
By Hark1Karan
210mm x 270mm
78pages / Softback
Uncoated recycled 120gsm
Cover by Lauren Harewood
Introduction by Shanye de-Lande
Published 2025
Arawak, named after the Indigenous people of South America and the Caribbean, documents a single day in the company of the British Trinidadian Arawak Carnival Mas Band, which founder Lynda Joseph formed in 1999, captured at Carnival in 2024.
‘The book was shot during Notting Hill Carnival 2024 (Monday) and offers an intimate portrayal of Arawak, a British Trinidadian Mas band, and their vibrant celebration of culture through dance, costume, and community. Mas bands, often underfunded and overshadowed by sound systems, are the beating heart of Carnival and Arawak shines a light on their year-round labour, artistry, and the Caribbean traditions they bring to West London’s streets.
The book captures the energy, ritual, and joy of a band rooted in Trinidadian heritage, including participants coming from all backgrounds to embody Carnival’s core values: love, power, and unity. It also highlights the competitive side of Carnival, where Mas bands are judged for creativity and performance, offering a deeper look at the dedication behind the spectacle. Arawak is both a celebration and a tribute to the cultural resilience and freedom of the Mas community. In the words of Arawak founder Lynda Joseph who was present at the very first carnival, "Arawak is for anyone regardless of background and it's about bringing people together’
Arawak - Love, Power, Unity
By Hark1Karan
210mm x 270mm
78pages / Softback
Uncoated recycled 120gsm
Cover by Lauren Harewood
Introduction by Shanye de-Lande
Published 2025
Arawak, named after the Indigenous people of South America and the Caribbean, documents a single day in the company of the British Trinidadian Arawak Carnival Mas Band, which founder Lynda Joseph formed in 1999, captured at Carnival in 2024.
‘The book was shot during Notting Hill Carnival 2024 (Monday) and offers an intimate portrayal of Arawak, a British Trinidadian Mas band, and their vibrant celebration of culture through dance, costume, and community. Mas bands, often underfunded and overshadowed by sound systems, are the beating heart of Carnival and Arawak shines a light on their year-round labour, artistry, and the Caribbean traditions they bring to West London’s streets.
The book captures the energy, ritual, and joy of a band rooted in Trinidadian heritage, including participants coming from all backgrounds to embody Carnival’s core values: love, power, and unity. It also highlights the competitive side of Carnival, where Mas bands are judged for creativity and performance, offering a deeper look at the dedication behind the spectacle. Arawak is both a celebration and a tribute to the cultural resilience and freedom of the Mas community. In the words of Arawak founder Lynda Joseph who was present at the very first carnival, "Arawak is for anyone regardless of background and it's about bringing people together’
