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@bazschmaz
I wouldn't see this tradition as offensive. I'd say little contact between early Morris dancers (do we assume this tradition is going back to the 16th century as mentioned above) and people that were not of the same race as them could rule out the imitation / ridicule aspect. Also I'd say there was little power imbalance between rural folk dancers and people of colour in their environment.
Additionally its just the blackening of the face and not adding racial traits in the same way that the Dutch Christmas thing does.
Could it be the same idea as wearing a mask to a masquerade ball so you can get up to nefarious bait shit and no one can pick you out to the Montagues?