Head of the giant Druon Antigoon

Giant head with black beard, pale face and helmet with a bird figure on it.
This giant was carried, along with the giantess Pallas Athena, in a procession until the 20th century. The Antwerp parade with giants originated in a medieval religious pageant. Ommegangen were organized on public holidays. The same floats were also used on the occasion of the Joyous Entry of new sovereigns. In the parade, various cultures and social groups were visible: religious and profane culture, elite and popular culture, different professional groups, guilds and corporations known as naties.
According to the city legend of Antwerp, the giant Druoon Antigoon levied a toll on the river Scheldt in Antwerp. The Roman warrior Brabo overcame him, cutting off his hand and throwing it into the Scheldt. Antwerp then flourished thanks to free trade. Druoon Antigoon became a symbol of evil.
The procession giants are probably a typically Belgian phenomenon. The giant Druon Antigoon was mentioned in 1470, the giantess Pallas Athena only in the 18th century. The two giants’ heads were designed by famous artists: Druon Antigoon by Pieter Coecke van Aalst and Pallas Athena by Daniel Herreyns.