The outfit of the Banya Town’s kukeri is designed according to the memories of the elders, who once took part in the Kuker masquerades. Here they call their kukeri characters “Startsi” (elders).
The Startsi wear long conical hoods over their heads decorated with different patterned fabric and tassels. On the face covering, they wear long mustaches made from horse tail or the beards of black goats.
The Banya Startsi hold a “topuz” in his right, which is a long wooden club with a wooden ball at the bottom and a string of tassels on top. The Startsi describe themselves as barbers, who use their “topuz” to ‘shave’ the men of the village for health and happiness.
