N'de Jos'r

N'de Jos'r is my master's thesis project, dedicated to studying the history of the Putignano Carnival, one of the oldest in Europe. The title, a dialect term referring to the "Jusi" (the ground-floor rooms of the historic center), reflects my methodological approach: I chose to go "underground," exploring the intimate and spontaneous spaces where the ritual truly lived, rather than limiting myself to the surface of the public parade.

The project combines direct field research with an in-depth exploration of the archives at the Museum of Carnival and Paper-Mâché in Putignano. Through a multidisciplinary perspective ranging from historical analysis to the craftsmanship of the floats, the book explores how the soul of the festival materializes in forms and performances.

A core pillar of the publication is the preservation of local graphic heritage: it includes a dedicated study on the master paper-mâché craftsman Armando Genco and the digitization of rare, previously uncatalogued materials by Mimmo Castellano, creator of the Farinella mask.

Finally, the research is enriched by firsthand contributions from figures and actors who actively participate in the life of the city and its Carnival today, offering a living testament to the contemporary evolution of the ritual.

All contemporary and historical photographs featured in this volume belong to their respective authors and have been used exclusively for academic and research purposes.