Merdules Masks

The Sardinian mask of the Merdules is a mask (caratza in Sardinian language), distinctive of the Carnival of Ottana, that portrays the bulls’ owner.

This mask usually features a disfigured man, with a sneering mouth. These traits, either due to hard work in the fields, or to old age, make every mask a unique and particular item, that surprise and arouse curiosity in those seeing them for the first time.

Entirely made by hand out of wood, they can be simple and linear, or angular and bony, with thick eyebrows to portray different man and stories.