The Masks of Samugheo.

The "Mamutzones" are part of the very provocative and original carnival practices of the interior of the island where respect for tradition is still alive.The group, founded in the early '80 s came at the once to the attention of scholars and enthusiasts because of its originality.

The masked figures of Samugheo (OR) closely preserve the characterists of their origin. Even though their primitive meaning is partially lost, they once represented the passionand death of Dionysus, and by extension, the god of vegetation, whose festivals were celebrated in nearly every ancient agrarian society. Dionysus, the god who died and was reborn every year like the vegetation, is represented by the zoomorphic mask of s'urtzu, who wears an entire goat skin, includine the head.

And in fact the god appeared most frequently in the form of a goat.The representation of his passion, a holy ceremony in ancient times, became downgraded and trivialized ìnto a simple carnival masquerade in the Christian era. This is how it has come into our century. S'Urtzu led around whit a rope about his waist by "su omadore",his guardian, falls to the ground periodically as he acts out the passion precedine his death. On the other hand, "mamutzones" represent Dionysus followers.

They wear animal skins and their faces are hidden behind a cork headpiece with real goats or cows'horns, attempting to emulate the Dionysian ecstasy and become possessed by the god in order to be like him. Every once in awhile they dance around s'urtzu. At one time each of the "mamutzones" carried a club entwined with vine or ivy leaves like the thyrsus.Being rather awkward objects, today, they are carried by only a few of the masked figures. The bells have apotropaic significance, that is, by their sound they keep the evii spirits away during the ceremony

Is testos funti de su sociu "Mamutzones de Samugheo" e is fotos de Claudio Cocco, WEB: Sardegnattiva