Traditional Costumes
Waggis
Caricature of an Alsatian Farmer
The Waggis can be seen as a caricature of a 19th century Alsatian farmer. In contrast, for the Alsatians themselves, a Waggis was more of a day-taler or vagabond. Hence the term ‘Waggis’, presumably a variation of the word vagabond.
Costume
The costume in its traditional classic style corresponds to the traditional costume of the farmer who sold his goods at the Basel market: Blue blouse, jelly bag cap, white trousers (formerly also black), wooden shoes, white collar (patricide), colourful (red) scarf and hand-knitted socks.
Variations of the Figure
The figure was strongly varied over the course of time. While the mask was originally borrowed from the Commedia dell’arte it took on more and more grotesque forms. The nose and the wig became larger and larger. And the colours of the costume also moved away from those of the original costume. Today the Waggis exists in numerous colour combinations.
Loud Appearance
His rather coarse and loud appearance can be traced back to his origins as a farmer or a vagabond.
