Traditional masks of the Ottana (NU) carnival (Barbagia, Sardinia) - Caratza de Molente (Machera del asino).
They are made by hand, carving logs of different lineages with gouges and knife, painted with natural mordants and finished with fine waxes.
The model in the photo is explanatory of the type of model, however, as masks are hand-carved from logs with slightly different shapes, the mask sent will never be identical to the one in the photograph. In fact, each piece is unique, an aspect that increases its value and worth.
These masks reproduce the donkey's head, called "sa caratza de molente," a secondary figure in the propitiatory rites of the traditional Ottana carnival, which opens each year on the evening of January 16 with a performance that takes place around a large bonfire in the town square.
Mostly wild pear trees are used to make the mask, and there may be various decorations, the most famous of which is the flower of life, a symbol of prosperity, hope and auspiciousness, and floral decorations.
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