Long ago, the Sardinian people knew of a mask typical of the Macomerese carnival, it was called Donna Zenobia, but its last appearance dated back to before the great world war. Thanks to a long and meticulous search of the Proloco of Macomer and the Neighborhood Committee of the historic center, it was possible to reconstruct the mask through the testimonies several women in their late 90s who remember it’s presence. The three women agreed in describing the mask as unpleasant in appearance but tender-hearted in behavior. The mask had a sharp and unsightly face and with a large potato-like nose. It was androgynous in character, simultaneously embodying the masculine and feminine nature.
It is said that Donna Zenobia was a 19th century woman who really existed. Her character is one of the many mysteries of this island. Today, she is represented wearing dark rags like an old fallen lady the mask carved of wood, and a ‘mucadore’ that covers her head.
The Mask came out for the lighting of the “sa Tuva” fires of Sant’Antonio Abate, and distributed small gifts such as dry chestnuts and dried fruit. Donna Zenobia then closed the carnival with the last appearance on Ash Wednesday, giving eggs to the houses of the ancient village. Like many carnival traditions, it was certainly an interpretation of Dionysus, related to the resurrection in the cycle of the seasons, celebrating themes of fertility, renewal, and the triumph of life over death.
Equally interesting is the mystical site we travelled to. The nuragic settlement of Tamuli dates back to the Middle Bronze Age, between the 16th and 13th centuries BC. The bétili (figure anthropomorphic stones) represented male and female deities, guardians of the funerary area they stand upon.
