Now dare we make the connection between Morris & Moorish that is often alluded to?

Moorish & Spain is then obvious.

Pure speculation but we do have shipwrecked sailors from the Armada and pirates etc. There are almost as many explanations as there are "experts", (I add in Moresque just for devilment). But my contention in these contexts is "why can't multiple roots apply". We are talking about people, and fool is the person who reckons they can predict the mind of "people". Especially those they have no cognizance of.

People would use a word to describe a notion and the one that held sway would be the most convincing, regardless of actuality.

Black faces? Is it mimicry, disguise or tradition? Pick your year and they can all be true. Multiple roots rules apply.

Rag dress could easily be parallel evolution, but who knows. Sticks are easier to come by and safer than the swords used in the region for some display dances.

Whatever the roots of Morris/Moresque there is enough evidence to confirm that ceremonial dancing existed before Moresque was documented. Whatever form it took. And fashion is fashion, incorporating "rich-mans'" entertainment is a well understood fashion. Morphing would take place. Designer dancing!

Abbots Bromley - reindeer horns carbon dated to 1065 when reindeer were extinct in England (& Scotland probably). And A B is on the river Trent system which points towards Scandawegia. Oh dear! I seem to have muddied the waters yet more. A B dancers don't regard themselves as "Morris" - given the dates makes my point, I think.