LOST IN THE MISTS OF TIME
MORRIS IN SCULPTURE
Save Heritage and Morris has diligently trawled through galleries, museums and private collections across the globe (OK, quick Google search) to discover evidence that reveals the astonishing truth of the early history of the Morris. Pull back the curtains of the mists of time and see what has been revealed in these sculptures from long, long ago.
LION MAN 40,000 YEARS OLD
The so called 'Lion Man', carved from a mammoth tusk,  is the earliest example of figurative art ever found, dating back over 40,000 years.  Experts have debated whether the animal head might represent a shaman but quite clearly this is an early Morris 'beast'.
THE MEXICAN MELODEONIST
Discovered in Mexico, this sculpture of an early musician dates from 450 BC. Clearly his instrument has disintegrated long ago (or maybe been ripped from his grasp by exasperated team members) but his slightly 'pained' expression indicates the face of a true melodeonist.
GREEK MORRIS WITH PLATE
This sculpture is called 'Discus Thrower' but the serious Morris researcher looks beyond the received wisdom of the 'experts' and sees a dancer larking about at the campsite with his plastic plate after his 'beans on toast' breakfast. Â Obvious once you see it.
A MORRIS BRONZE
Dating from 450 BC this purports to be a statue of Zeus.  Clearly, however, it has all the attributes of a Morris dancer. There's the beard, the outstretched arm, the hand clenching the (now non-existent) stick and the perfectly proportioned bronzed body......  Well 3 out of 4 isn't bad.
THE TERRACOTTA MORRIS
Many sides have clearly got a lot to learn from straight lines demonstrated by the terracotta Morris from China. Â Dating back to c240BC it's estimated the lifesize figures took c40 years to construct. Interestingly that's about the same time span for an average Morris dancer's career.
CERNE MORRIS
Yes, alright, we know this is more than likely the result of a group of 'tanked up' Morris peeps on their way home from the pub and indulging in a bit of hillside graffiti. Â But what interests Morris enthusiasts is the portrayal of rosettes on the chest (Hammersmith Morris ??). Â Oh yes, and the size and shape of the stick!
ROMANESQUE MORRIS 12TH CENTURY
Morris isn't all about men with beards! Â True, but there's a fair few around in this 12th Century sculpture. The beardless one seems particularly pleased with the new format of the programme.
EASTER ISLAND MORRIS
It's just amazing where examples of Morris turn up once you start looking. People have pondered for years on the significance of these big heads, some with 'over the top' hats, standing impassively, and impressively stone-faced, in lines. Saddleworth Morris? Just saying .......
DONATELLO MORRIS HAT
Completed in 1440 this slightly 'fey' sculpture by Donatello is sporting a perfect example of a Morris hat.  Good to see young people represented in Morris even if his stance makes him look a rather 'camp' David.
DELLA ROBBIA DANCERS
More youthful exuberance here as the youngsters prepare for 'hands round', dancing to the pipe and tabor. This tableau forms part of a sculpture in the Duomo in Florence and was completed by Della Robbia in 1438. Just 10 years before the 'official' history of Morris begins.