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Mummers and fools, 14th century
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Mummers and fools, 14th century
Mummers in odd masks and colourful robes (top, bottom), and a line of fools in hoods with bells dancing to bagpipe and regal music at a Festival of Fools (middle), 14th century. Handcoloured lithograph by Joseph Strutt from his own Sports and Pastimes of the People of England, Chatto and Windus, London, 1876
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Media ID 23204822
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Bagpipes Bells Festival Fool Fools Hood Mask Pastimes Regal Robes Strutt 14th Mummer
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This handcoloured lithograph by Joseph Strutt, titled "Mummers and Fools at a Festival of Fools," transports us back to the 14th century and the lively world of medieval revelry. The top and bottom images show Mummers, masked figures dressed in vibrant robes, holding weapons and posing with an air of mischief and triumph. Mummery, a popular form of medieval entertainment, involved the performance of plays, often featuring mythological or biblical characters, and the wearing of disguises to confuse the audience and add an element of surprise. The central image of the print captures the essence of the Festival of Fools, with a line of jesters in hoods, their faces obscured, and bells attached to their ankles, dancing in unison to the rhythmic beats of bagpipes and regal music. The fools, an integral part of medieval society, were known for their unconventional behavior and witty remarks, providing entertainment and amusement to the masses. The festive atmosphere is further emphasized by the rich colors and intricate details of the illustration, making it a fascinating glimpse into the past. Joseph Strutt, a renowned English antiquarian and folklorist, compiled this image from his extensive research on the sports and pastimes of the English people. The print, taken from his publication "Sports and Pastimes of the People of England," published by Chatto and Windus in London in 1876, remains a valuable historical record of medieval traditions and customs.
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