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Partner Travel Calling write about Sardinia’s Mamuthones. These dark, most mysterious masks, usually seen at Sardinia’s carnival, are strongly linked with ancient (2000 year old) ritual.
Mamoiada, sardinia, Italy, by ezioman
There is no clearly known explanation what the figures, dressed in sheepskins and wearing the dark masks, represent – all was lost in the mists of time! The Mamuthone wearers happily mingle with other carnival mask wearers (such as the Issohadores) as well as wearers of more ‘regular’ masks. The whole carnival acquires both a happy and mysterious atmosphere, which only goes to add to the heady mix for the traveler making it worthy of inclusion on your itinerary when you travel to Europe.
Another occasion to see the Mamuthone masks in all their gruesome glory is the Saint Anthony Abbate festival, where the Mamuthones do not have to mix/compete with other masks (excepting the Issohadores, with which they are somehow linked) and where there’s also dancing around fires to be observed!
Sardinia itself is an island steeped in ancient mysticism, which adds another dimension to its allure as a European vacation destination. Sadly, Sardinia may soon be a paradise lost, at least if developers and politicians have their way! If you make it there in time, you may also wish to visit Sardinia’s ancient remote mines.
