Skip to main content

Rights Managed > Museum Objects > Social History

Obby Oss Mask, Padstow, Cornwall, England

Obby Oss Mask, Padstow, Cornwall, England


Please Click On A License Option

Flat fee up to A2 size

Flat fee up to A2 size

Filename: TRURI-2007-88.jpg

Size: 4121 x 6182 (2.8MB)

Date: 21st November 2017

Author: MIKE SEARLE

© RIC, photographer Mike Searle

We accept all major payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you


Choose Your Product


Royal Cornwall Museum Photo Prints and Wall Art

Obby Oss Mask, Padstow, Cornwall, England

Masks such as these are used in the Padstow Obby Oss May Day celebrations. It is worn during a dance that celebrates the coming of Spring. It is also linked to fertility rights; any woman caught under the skirts of the Oss was thought to become pregnant. Each year, on the 1st May, the town is decorated in greenery and the Oss (horse) parades the streets, followed by a teaser who holds a padded bat. The procession is accompanied by accordions, drums and singing. The mask is worn with a black skirt that covers the wearer completely. Some have suggested the similarity to West African, Malaysian and New Guinea masks may be due to Cornish contact with these areas. The mask was made by the Bate family, and first worn by Walter Bate (1907- 1977) who was known locally as The Old Colonel because he had served in Kitcheners army. He was also a highly respected member of the lifeboat crew having been recognised for distinguished service. TRURI : 2007.88

TRURI : 2007.88

Media ID 18833267

© RIC, photographer Mike Searle

Black Face Horse White

Your artwork will be printed orientated as per the preview above, with landscape (horizontal) or portrait (vertical) orientation to match the source image


Made in USA
Safe Shipping, Easy Returns

FREE PERSONALISATION
We are proud to offer a range of customisation including Cropping, Captions, and Filters. Zoom Cropping can be adjusted in the basket

SECURE PAYMENTS
We accept all major payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you




Similar Pictures


The Obby Oss, Padstow, Cornwall. Early 1900s
The Obby Oss, Padstow, Cornwall. Early 1900s
RNLI lifeboat Arab I at the quay, Padstow, Cornwall. 1883-1900
RNLI lifeboat Arab I at the quay, Padstow, Cornwall. 1883-1900
Public event at Prideaux Place, Padstow, Cornwall. Possibly 1899
Public event at Prideaux Place, Padstow, Cornwall. Possibly 1899
RNLI Padstow Lifeboat No. 2 Edmund Harvey with the tug Helen Peele alongside in the background, Padstow, Cornwall. 1901
RNLI Padstow Lifeboat No. 2 Edmund Harvey with the tug Helen Peele alongside in the background, Padstow, Cornwall. 1901
Liroconite, Wheal Gorland, St Day, Gwennap, Cornwall, England
Liroconite, Wheal Gorland, St Day, Gwennap, Cornwall, England
The Obby Oss, Duke Street, Padstow, Cornwall. 1966
The Obby Oss, Duke Street, Padstow, Cornwall. 1966
Obby Oss Day at Padstow, Cornwall. 1978
Obby Oss Day at Padstow, Cornwall. 1978
The Obby Oss, Harbour, Padstow, Cornwall. About 1920
The Obby Oss, Harbour, Padstow, Cornwall. About 1920
The Obby Oss, Padstow, Cornwall. 1966
The Obby Oss, Padstow, Cornwall. 1966
Hinamatsuri Egg Diorama, Japanese
Hinamatsuri Egg Diorama, Japanese
Painted Mask, Japanese
Painted Mask, Japanese
Pottery Bottle, Peru, South America
Pottery Bottle, Peru, South America