It is of immense significance that St. Croix’s only photograph of its horned performance tradition (The Overson collection), last seen in the 1920s in Frederiksted, bears out the bidjogo, or extended horn headdress tradition of Guinea Bissau. Yet, the extended "rope", restraining the St. Croix bull from its impulsive dance, also resembles the Eastern Pende people’s tradition of their mask, Pumbu. There, the mask is frequently used at the time of the illness of the chief. Recent manifestations of this wholistic narrative is the most recent gubernatorial slogan, "Loose the Bull" from St. Croix.

The bidjogo , or Guinea Bissau masks represent animals raised in the bush; They are best characterized as wooden crests of bulls with long horns and leather ears, and have been best Kongo- metaphorized in present-day Hayti, where young boys apprentice in papier-mache masks and caped taffeta gowns.

The gn’opara wooden mask, hanging ominously over Lazarus’ head, underscores the impulsive spirit of his remarks, and the impending consequences of his verbal actions.

Understandably, Lazarus never sees the gn’opara. He "wears" it only by assuming his character, and by being in its presence and judgment.

One such presence is buried in his quote: ("We will wrap him in the cloth of words…/Some will come bearing the Croton bush…" , etc.)

Lazarus’courtyard invitation prompts the various "layering" of personages and their costumes.

Effectively masking, in his luminous white cotton clothing and multi-colored striped leather bag, Lazarus socially embodies the "…Gelede masquerade tradition, and pays tribute to the life-force, like Egungun masqueraders who wear richly-layered cloth; [their] masks as elaborate head-dress portraying animals, spirits and marginals (prostitutes and thieves). Their vernacular includes speeches, female cross-dressing, drumming corps, hybridizing costumes, and performing street skits for judges." (Coles)

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