Morris Dance Props and Paraphernalia

The Props and Paraphernalia used in Morris dance are categorized underneath:

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

In the early period, the Morris dance was accompanied by either simple pipe, by pipe and tabors (known as whittle and dub), or the bagpipe. Presently, the music is usually played on a fiddle.

HANDKERCHIEFS

In some Morris dances, the dancers carry a white handkerchief that seems tied via the middle finger passed through a hole in one corner.

STICKS

Sticks are either decorated with ribbons tied at the ends or are used as it is.

BELLS

The bells worn by the dancers are stitched upon thongs and tied to the shin. As indicated be some sources, the bells with four different tones were used in the past. But, today, all the dancers wear specific bells. The latten bells are tied in different number and patterns the horizontal or vertical, as decided by the head of the troupe.

OTHER PARAPHERNALIA

For adding ludicrous spice to the Morris dance, the characters of a fool and a traditional horse are added.

As is customary, the fool in Morris dance is always seen with a bladder swinging on the end of a stick, or ladle. You can see the same image of traditional fool on the Tarot cards as well.

Either the caning or some tough fabric stuck around wood is used in making the hobby-horse. This horse has a hole letting the rider, or footman egress to the waist. A pair of stockings is shoved on the horse's head and tail.

DRESS

Dress is the most important part of any performance, after all just like the music, the dress sets in the mood. Colorful vibrant dresses are enough to draw attention of masses. Mr. Salisbury, the leader of the Bidford men wears a typical dress with a tall hat, popular headgear. Mr. Salisbury with his men wears a broad (two-and-a-half inch wide) tri colored band of plaited ribbons in red, green and white on their hat. While Mr. Kimber, leader of the Headington men wears a white sweater with ribbons of red, white and blue were crossed upon the chest accompanied with the trousers were of white flannel.