Roller und Scheller

The powerful Scheller

The main protagonists of Fasnacht in Imst are Roller (jumper) and Scheller (ringer), they are at the center of the procession, radiating with splendor and dignity, representing gentle femininity and harsh masculinity, respectively. The sound of their little jingle bells and Schellen (larger bells) create the unique atmosphere of Schemenlaufen. The Scheller can be seen as the embodiment of winter (one of several possible interpretations of the figure, making his partner, the Roller, the symbol of spring), in any case he catches the eye with his magnificent mask - dark, with marked facial features, adorned by a lavish, majestically curved moustache. He wears black leather breeches and a traditional tablecloth over his head and the upper part of his body. On top of all he sports a pointed oval piece of finery, decorated with silk flowers and other ornamental elements.

„Klöpfe“ & „Kumpfe“

In his right hand he holds a staff onto which an apple is stuck. The apple is the gift of honor for the lady who has artfully and lovingly created his decoration. It is then replaced by a pretzel. The essential element, however, are the Schellen (the G’Schall – set of bells), giving the figure its name. They are worn around the waist, usually four to eight pieces, each weighing about 35kg. During the playful dance with the Roller they are sounded by rhythmical hip movements or by a two step. The Scheller’s walk is dignified and deliberate. There are two types of Schellen, angular Klöpfe and oval Kumpfe, each sounding different. Pairs of Klöpfe and Kumpfe are sounded alternately resulting in the distinctive, light and dark soundscape of Imst’s Fasnacht.

The elegant Roller

Of more delicate constitution and facial features than the Scheller, often with a gentle smile on his lips, the Roller is his youthful partner. His headdress, called Schein just as the Scheller’s, is similar, but more graceful and of a lighter color. Both of them match in their dominating colors: red, pink, light blue or light green. The ever prancing Roller swings a Pemsl (brush) made of twisted strands of wood in his right hand. Locals call this charming combination of swing and elegance Schlånz.

Pride and splendor

Around his waist, the Roller wears a belt with dozens of small ball shaped Rollen (jingle bells), very much alike the bells found on horse sleighs. When the Roller jumps into the air with both his feet during his Gangl (dance) the light jingling of his Gröll (bells) forms a gorgeous contrast to the dark sound of the Schellen. Each ribbon of the costume, the blouse, the stockings, all the bows are attached with a few stitches only, because during the jumping nothing must come off and look sloppy. The Roller and Scheller have always been “the pride and splendor of Imst’s Schemenlaufen.” (Anton Dörrer)