Mask with tarabulo (tied), part of the men’s traditional costume for the Carnival event “Janissaries and Boules” that takes place in Naoussa, Imathia. It is a headdress that covers the entire face of the dancer who wears it, and consists of two main components: the mask and the tarabulo. 1) The mask is made of a thick cotton cloth on which plaster is applied (firstly, the cloth is placed on each dancer’s face to take its shape, thus creating a unique artistic result each time), while the inside is lined and coated with layers of pure wax in order to keep the face cool and allow the “Janissary’s” skin to breathe throughout the day. Its surface is painted with a mixture of egg-based white paint. It includes black eyebrows and also red lips and cheeks. The centre of the forehead is adorned by a stylised round gold weight (mark). There are tiny openings for the eyes, nose and mouth. The edges of the mask are bordered by a thick dark red cotton band called mafesi, which is embellished with woven vegetal motifs. The mask’s decoration is completed with a black moustache made of tar and horsehair and attached with glue. 2) The tarabulo is tied (secured) and masterfully arranged right above the mask (a woollen cap is used under the tarabulo, and the mask is sewn at the front of it; this makes the mask easier to wear and keeps it at the right position throughout the day). It is a rectangular dimity sash (head covering) made of silk-and-cotton fabric. It consists of three panels sewn together with a herringbone pattern (each panel’s warp is different from the other). It has colourful geometric decoration consisting of woven vertical stripes that form plaid patterns, while the edges are trimmed with thick fringes. Its decoration is completed by a plastic flower-shaped brooch decorated with plastic gems, which imitates the filigree technique.
