Kurenti by Jumpin'Jack
Via Flickr:
Kurent mask (or Korant as some people call it) originates right from the place where this shot was taken - namely Markovci near Ptuj, Slovenia. Beside sheep skin, horned heads with long tongues and clubs wrapped in hedgehog's skin (yeah, I know), they sport large bells, hung around their waists. They jump and dance on the streets, making as much racket as possible throughout the carnival season (Shrovetide), called Pust in Slovenia. This, along with the scary looks, is supposed to frighten grandma Winter and chase her away. There are other traditional masks (and all other sorts of non-traditional as well) for this season, but Kurent is one of the oldest and most important icons in these parts. Needless to say, its attire is quite heavy and running around in it for hours, requires much strength and stamina. Though wearing it has its privileges too. For example, Kurent is allowed to grab any girl on the street and dance with her. In past times Kurents demanded a little gift before they let the girls go - traditionally a handkerchief. Then they hung these on their belts as trophies. They probably don't get as much of these as they used to though, since paper hankies became common ...
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