Traditional Costumes
Dummpeter
Origins uncertain
It is not possible to say exactly how and when the figure of Dummpeter emerged. It is claimed that it almost disappeared before the Second World War. In any case the costume is strongly reminiscent of the Rococo period (late Baroque). The figure is shown on the badges of 1914 and 1933 and possibly has its roots in Germany.
Peter as a Generic Name
In Wilhelm Hauff’s story ‘Das Wirtshaus im Spessart’ (The Inn in Spessart) of 1828 there is a craftsman named Peter who is repeatedly called dumb coal Peter, dumb Peter Munk or simply dumb Peter. The name Peter was so popular that it became a generic name (appelative). For example, there is also chatterbox Peter, liar Peter, bad Peter or black Peter. In German Peter also has the appelative sense of a clumsy person. Accordingly, Dummpeter is probably simply dumb Peter in the sense of a dolt. This is also indicated by the separate spelling of ‘Dummer Peter’ in the 1945 Fasnacht Guide which was published by the Fasnacht Committee. In dialect, people in Basel would say ‘e dumme Peter’ or just ‘e dumm Peter’. This then presumably became ‘e Dummpeter’, just as it is also called Dummkopf (dunderhead), for example.
Costume
The costume is a mixture of late baroque and Biedermeier elements. The white wig with hair rolls and plait, the jabot, the frills on the cuffs and waistband of the knee-length trousers, the bows and the buckled shoes are elements that are mainly found in the late Baroque (Rococo) period. The pattern of stripes and flowers on the fabric and the delicate sky-blue, pink and pale yellow pastel shades that existed mainly in women’s fashion are found in the Biedermeier period. The stockings of different colours and the feather duster indicate a lowly position as a servant. In addition there is a crown-like hat with frills as headgear and a small trumpet as a further prop. This was probably added later when a connection was made between Dummpeter and Drummpeter (trumpeter). But there is no evidence of this.
Cheerful Nature
The Dummpeter has a cheerful expression. His eyes are turned skywards, he has a snub nose and strong chubby cheeks. As a childlike daydreamer he prefers to indulge in beautiful thoughts rather than to occupy himself with cleaning work.
