A BBC report from 1964 on the Sardinian tradition of the Mamuthones. In addition to getting the number wrong (there are 12 Mamuthones - to symbolise the months - not 20), the BBC reporter trivialises it by zeroing in on some sort of "pick up" storyline. Actually, what we see here is one of many ancient pagan customs to "scare of" evil spirits to ensure a good year (the event takes place at various times). The Mamuthones are the dancers with masks and bells, while the men rather gently lassoing the ladies are the Issohadores. There is an element of a sexual fertility cult in that, but it is hardly the main focus and is certainly not a means for young Sardinian men to get off with women. Most of the Issohadores are clearly older men. Anyway, we must be grateful to the BBC for at least sending the cameraman.
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