I have a small oss - a model of the Blue Oss. There was a Red one in a shop window many years ago (1972)and I asked Betty if the person who made it would make me one too. He didn't want to because he was a Red Osser - but he did - for five pounds! A lot of money in those days! I had a bit of bother fitting it into my suitcase to come back to NZ but I did it and it's sitting in the shelf beside me right now. The skirt/body is about 13 inches in diameter and 7 inches deep. The little man inside is about 11 inches tall and with the mask on stands about 16 inches. He has been used in displays here and has been to two folk festivals when I gave an illustrated talk on May Day.
I've also made several kid's size Osses which hare been used by children and Morris dancers on special occasions over the years. The one in the garage now is a light-weight version made of black parka nylon on a wire frame. The mask is basically cardboard but with the nylon glued on and painted. The horse head is also nylon covered cardboard. He was used at the Auckland Folk Festival a few years ago, when we danced around the festival site and up to the tent where the model was set up with a miniature maypole and strings of buntings to hold it in place. There were copies of old photos surrounding us and I had made a song sheet so people could sing along. We borrowed Andy's big drum, about the size of the Brenton drum and I played my accordion. We had a great time!
Oss Oss
Robyn