A
moko jumbie (also known as "moko jumbi" or "mocko jumbie") is a
stilts walker or dancer. The origin of the term may come from "Moko" (a possible reference to an African god) and "
jumbi", a
West Indian term for a ghost or spirit that may have been derived from the
Kongo language word
zumbi.
The Moko Jumbies are thought to originate from
West African tradition brought to the Caribbean.
A Moko Jumbie character may wear colorful garb and carnival masks. They also frequent festivals and celebrations such as
Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.