misc37.jpg (59210 bytes)

Cow Head (Winterside) 1970

Jannies (mummers) at Christmas disguise themselves with old clothes. Men often dressed as women and women dressed as men. They carry sticks to ward off others from touching or unmasking them and to knock on the door. If someone guessed their identity, they uncovered their faces. L-R: Elizabeth Payne, Dulcie Payne, Joe Lavers, Victor Payne.

Donor: Jane Hutchings