TITLE: Krampus Mask
TYPE: helmet mask
GENERAL REGION: Europe
COUNTRY: Austria
ETHNICITY: German (Austrian)
DESCRIPTION: Black Krampus Mask
CATALOG ID: EUAT015
MAKER: Miguel Walch (Zams, 1980- )
CEREMONY: Krampuslauf
AGE: 2016
MAIN MATERIAL: Swiss stone pine wood
OTHER MATERIALS: domestic goat horns; acrylic eyes; dyed leather; deer leather; foam rubber; hardware; adhesive; goat hair; putty
Krampuslauf (the Krampus Parade) is a winter event that forms part of the Christmas festivities in much of Austria and parts of southern Germany, Switzerland, northern Italy, and the Balkan states. From mid-November until the first week of December, many towns organize a parade of Krampuses, demons who represent evil spirits with frightening horned masks with sharp teeth and long, lolling tongues, typically in a suit of goat skin with loud cowbells attached to their belt. They carry a whip of birch branches (a Rute) or a cowtail. Their function is to accompanying St. Nicholas, who rewards good children with treats and presents, while the Krampuses punish bad children by beating them with their whips or throwing them into wicker baskets on their backs to carry down to Hell for punishment. Although different regions celebrate Krampuslauf on different days, the traditional Krampus Day is December 5, and the traditional St. Nicholaus Day is December 6. Krampuses may march on both days.
This mask was carved by the talented artist Miguel Walch and worn by Mathias Hosp in Krampuslaufen from 2016 until 2018.
