There's a (venomous) controversy over the mamuthones (masks) deployed to defend Sardinia in Cala Finanza. Some traditional masks from Mamoiada will be present at the demonstration called for this evening by the organizers of the protest against the Tavolara Bay real estate project. The mayor of the Barbagia town, Luciano Barone, distanced himself from the initiative, explaining that none of the associations that protect the town's symbol would have joined. He emphasized that it was a decision by individual Mamoiada residents, wearers of the mask, which would undermine a thousand-year-old culture. Elena Pinna, of the Surra movement, which is organizing the demonstration, responded scathingly : "There's no outrage, however, if it's about sending masks to be prostitutes for hours to entertain tourists and give them a picturesque experience."
The mayor of Mamoiada
The mayor sparked the debate: "The event, in terms of its aims and content, would appear to be inconsistent with the principles of promoting, protecting, and enhancing a ritual deeply rooted in the history and identity of our community," he stated. For decades, Barone explains, Mamoiada has chosen to preserve and pass on the ritual masking of the Mamuthones and Issohadores "through a clear and shared model: its performance is entrusted to fellow citizens gathered in associations that operate in accordance with precise rules, statutes, and codes of ethics, with the shared goal of preserving the authenticity and profound meaning of this heritage."
There are three associations in the town: "I think it's significant to note that, to date, I haven't received any formal communication or official support from any of them for the initiative promoted on social media," the mayor emphasizes. He adds: "Membership in one of the associations isn't simply an organizational element, but represents a guarantee of respect for a heritage that belongs to the entire community. Each member is required to abide by shared rules governing behavior, responsibilities, and how to use the remains of the Mamuthones and Issohadores." And "free interpretation of the ritual, divorced from this system of collective protection, is incompatible with the conservation process established over time and risks weakening the very principles of authenticity, valorization, and transmission to future generations that have allowed this heritage to reach us."
Hence the distancing: "We cannot support the decision of individuals who, in a personal capacity and without a clear mandate from the associations that hold the ritual and protect it, consider using traditional masquerade to support ideological causes or participate in initiatives that are alien to the cultural and identity context in which it finds its meaning."
The organizers' response
While passionate activist Elena Pinna refers—with a colorful expression—to the presence of traditional masks on the beach in the summer to entertain a few VIPs, Surra also takes an official stance: "We are astonished to learn of your attempt to distance yourself," it reads, addressing the mayor. "But from what exactly? And above all, from whom? From citizens of your municipality who freely decided to participate in the protest, contributing and demonstrating their dissent and support for a cause in defense of the island?"
Barone, the event organizers claim, "was careful to invoke authenticity, respect, and collective memory. But all these fine words are not invoked when we choose to lend our traditional symbols to well-paid private events, "summer carnivals," and (always well-paid) performances on demand. You know, the choice of its citizens to come in masks for the cause is perhaps the only thing that restores a modicum of dignity and historical memory to our masks, reduced to prostitutes. You speak of 'ideological causes.' Tell us, is the defense of the island an ideological cause for you?"