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Charles Oscar Etienne (Chaloska)

1866 – 1915

Haitian police chief

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About Charles Oscar Etienne (Chaloska)

Lived 1866 – 1915 (aged 48–49). Charles Oscar Etienne (Chaloska) was a Haitian.

Charles Oscar Etienne, also known as Chaloska (in Haitian Creole), was a notorious chief of the Haitian National Police who massacred over 150 political prisoners in Port-au-Prince in 1915. Shortly after this mass murder, the relatives of the incarcerated had taken Charles Oscar, who was taking refuge in the Dominican legation, and murdered him in the city center of Haiti. According to Ayibo Post, Oscar Etienne was born on January 1, 1866, and he was murdered on July 28, 1915. Mainly responsible for Chaloska's death was General Edmond Polynice.

Chaloska Carnival in Haiti, also known as Kanaval or Mardi Gras, is an annual celebration of Haitian identity, culture, revolution, and freedom. It is also an observation of the history of colonialism and slavery in the country, Carnival goers often wear masks and costumes to portray historical, literary, or popular cultural figures. One of the many figures that can be seen in Carnival is Charles Oscar (Chaloska) who is portrayed in mockery with a military costume and a mask with a large red mouth and large teeth attached. By wearing such masks and participating in these performances, the Carnival goers are able to express their discontent and disproval of the political climate.

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Important facts

Born
1866
Birth century
Nationality

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Charles Oscar Etienne (Chaloska)'s

Frequently asked questions

Who was Charles Oscar Etienne (Chaloska)?

Haitian police chief

When was Charles Oscar Etienne (Chaloska) born?

Charles Oscar Etienne (Chaloska) was born in 1866.

When did Charles Oscar Etienne (Chaloska) die?

Charles Oscar Etienne (Chaloska) died on 28 July 1915.

What nationality was Charles Oscar Etienne (Chaloska)?

Charles Oscar Etienne (Chaloska) was Haitian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Charles Oscar Etienne (Chaloska)

· Wikidata: Q125816014

· DBpedia: Charles Oscar Etienne

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Charles Oscar Etienne (Chaloska). https://biography.guide/charles-oscar-etienne-chaloska/

MLA: "Charles Oscar Etienne (Chaloska)." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/charles-oscar-etienne-chaloska/.

Chicago: "Charles Oscar Etienne (Chaloska)." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/charles-oscar-etienne-chaloska/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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