In Sardinia there is only one female mask, “Sa Filonzana”, a woman with a scary appearance. The processions of Ottana are always accompanied by this disturbing figure who continuously weaves wool, and during the event she orders the Boes (another Ottanese figure that represents the animal) to die, they fall to the ground, and get up again symbolizing the cycle of life. The Sardinian legend has it that the old woman (who is actually a man in disguise since women could not participate in the ritual) continuously weaves the thread of life, but is ready to cut it with scissors at any time to anyone who does not respect her.
Dressed in mourning, wearing a black sweater and skirt and a large shawl that highlights her hump, this wooden mask, black and with a frightening expression, depicts an old lady who wanders slowly, with a crooked and awkward gait, through the streets of the village holding a spindle in one hand and a distaff in the other, constantly intent on spinning wool.
During the parades she can threaten to cut the thread with scissors, thus invoking misfortune and death for those who do not respect her. That thread is nothing other than the metaphor of the life cycle of each person and that Filonzana holds in her hands, able to decide their fate. The fact that she appears in the final part of the parade is almost a warning after the fun that characterizes the festival. Everyone, in fact, respects and fears her.
