Cap Grossos
Learning the historical significance of the Cap Grossos, creating our own papier mâché masks following a step-by-step process of layering and problem solving with sustainable and upcycled materials. Lead by talented artist Isabel Torres
Creating a Cap Grossos was the final project on PEATS Traditional Skills, Sustainable Rural Development in Riba-Roja, the project hosted by artist Isabelle Torres.
“Gegants i Capgrossos” Catalan, “Gigantes y Cabezudos” Spanish, meaning “Giants and Big Heads”
CapGrossos (Professional Giants) are typically a traditional mask like large head used in Spanish/European festivals, they typically depict the archetypes of the town, various socialites, peasant women, historical figures and monarchy. They have also been used to depict various political figures with connotations of unhappiness and injustice. Often these figures can stand four meters tall and are controlled by more than one person.
Whilst Isabell was discussing who the masks represented, the UK news was on mentioning contrasting financial stories, this is where my inspiration began. I continued to learn as we developed and build our Cap Grossos structures.
The process started with a large balloon layered with two types of papier mâché (newspaper and toilet roll) we could mould and sculpt forms for our masks. After they dried we painted and detailed our Cap Grossos.
The ‘Capgros’ is a smaller papier mâché structure for children, worn on the shoulders of just one person, with an open mouth or neck for wearer visibility. This is the category where ours masks sit.
To our surprise we were kindly asked to donate our Cap Grossos masks for the children of Riba-Roja d’Ebre to wear during fiesta. We were all more than happy for this to happen.
Our Cap Grossos have also been requested in a European Mask Museum belonging to an associate of PEATS Environmental, Archeological and Traditional Skills.
