Here's clips of some Morris-men.... There's obviously a sword/stickfighting element with the possibility of traditional shinkickin' The first 'Morris' men were from trade guilds and societies (a bit like the masons) it has been suggested by dance researchers that wearing masks and disguising the face were necessary for some of the activities they got up too. Later on the swords were replaced with sticks or sometimes handkerchiefs and the true meaning of the steps and drills were forgotten. The Morris-Moorish connection was added much later as the combative element decreased and displays & costumes became more elaborate. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3U3vY98ywk&mode=related&search="]morris training camp - YouTube[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGIPolcqQuc&mode=related&search="]Evil Morris Dancers - YouTube[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGZH5xTrbaQ"]Morris Dancing - YouTube[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCFEwTRRq6g&mode=related&search="]Morris Dancers - YouTube[/ame] Louie
