Painted Faces
Face and body paints have been used from the earliest times, and for a variety of reasons - to enhance beauty, increase fear in the beholder or ward off evil spirits. Face painting is closely linked with masks : both create a disguise and a sense of make believe. Our painted faces are part of the Border Morris tradition. There are several explanations regarding the painted face - We prefer to adopt the popular idea that it is to ward off the evil spirits of winter, and disguise us so that they do not return to haunt us.
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Named after the ship of the infamous Captain Pugwash, Black Pig Border was formed in 1986 in Eastwood on the Nottinghamshire and Derby border. Our founder members were a group of like minded dancers and musicians who had tried other forms of Morris dancing and were looking for something a little different. From this small group of people, Black Pig has evolved over the years to what you see today.
We are a mixed group of both male and female dancers and musicians. We have performed all over England at a wide variety of events, ranging from pub tours through fetes and festivals. We have danced in California and Germany and also appeared in an episode of Peak Practice. Most recently we appeared in an episode of 'Hit & Miss' on Sky Atlantic.
New members of any age or disposition are always welcome to come and 'give-it-a-go'.
