Saddam storms Brazil's streets

Three thousand masks were sold in Rio and Sao Paulo last weekend

'Before and after' masks of the ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein are among the hottest selling items for this year's Carnival in Brazil.

The factory that produces the masks, in Rio de Janeiro state, says it delivered 3,000 to outlets in Rio and Sao Paulo last weekend alone.

One features a clean-cut, smiling Saddam wearing a military cap.

The other is a heavily-bearded, dirty-faced likeness of Saddam as he was when captured by American forces.

"Saddam Hussein, dirty and out of his hole, is the most sought-after mask" for February's four-day Carnival, said Armando Valles, who owns the mask factory.

But he said the amount of hair needed for the hand-painted post-overthrow caricature will push up the price to between $3 and $6, the most expensive mask.

The 'before' mask should cost about $1.

'Humorous and critical'

The world's biggest street party, the four-day festival of Carnival, celebrates the momentary throwing off of everyday identities.

But the appeal of the 'after' mask in particular also represents a public interest and preoccupation with the American policy of "pre-emptive" action, says one university lecturer.

"Giving him this appearance shows it like the end of a story, that his time is finished, his dictatorship and so on," Leonardo Fuks told AP television.

"It's humorous in some ways, but it's also critical."

Mr Valles said there is also increased interest in masks of Brazilian politicians, such as President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Culture Minister Gilberto Gil.