Each year in Sardinia, Italy, men from the small village of Mamoiada don grotesque wooden masks and vests of black sheepskin. Stomping and grunting through the streets, they are weighed down by huge cowbells hung from their backs to scare away evil spirits. These hideous beasts are known as
Mamuthones and they are part of an ancient tradition that has existed for thousands of years. Little is known about the origins of this pagan ritual, and its legacy continues to be shrouded in secrecy by the villagers. In this film from
Andrea Pecora, get a rare look at the
Mamuthones as they make their way through the village to usher in the spring.
Follow filmmaker Andrea Pecora on
Vimeo and
Instagram. Produced by
Revolution Department.
Learn more about the town of
Mamoiada and the tradition of the
Mamuthones.
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