Paper Short Abstract:

The paper examines the transformation in the materials used in crafting the costume for the leading figures in a carnival in the Venetian dolomites. It does so examining the social transformations which caused the change as well as the impact the change had on the atmosphere of the festivity.

Paper Abstract:

Every year, in February, a traditional carnival takes place in Dosoledo, a village in the Venetian Dolomites. The centre stage of the festivity is taken by Laché and Matathin, two figures who dance uninterrupted from the very early morning to midnight in multiple spaces in the village. The two figures are dressed with multicoloured handkerchiefs sewn to a white shirt. They also wear a tall cylindrical headdress with one hundred multicoloured ribbons flowing from the top and decorated with jewellery. In a previous publication I have examined how in the past these materials were borrowed by the dancers from female agnatic and spiritual relatives, often living in neighbouring villages, strengthening family and inter-village relationships in the process.

This paper looks at the transition, which happened in the 1980s, from the use of borrowed silk handkerchiefs and ribbons, as well as jewels, to the use of nylon textiles and bijouterie bought by the organisers of the event. On the one hand it does so focusing on how this shift was intertwined with certain social transformations which interested the community during that period, particularly changes in women's attire and a decline in the strength of familial and inter-village relationships. On the other, it examines the distinct impact of this transition. The introduction of new materials enabled the craft women to create the costumes over a longer time and allowed for different sewing techniques. Concurrently, these materials are noted for reflecting light differently and are generally perceived as less awe-inspiring.