A Mask Does Not Hide Your Personality

Venetian masks are not a new fad, in fact, this is a centuries-old tradition from Venice, Italy. Typically, the masks are worn during the Carnival of Venice, but have been used and worn for many other occasions. The Venetian mask hide the wearer's identity and social status, which allowed interaction with members of society outside an individuals usual social circles. Masks were used for numerous purposes, some illicit or criminal, and masks were worn for romantic encounters.

Venetian masks can be identified by characteristic ornate designs, having bright colors and complex decorations found in the baroque styles. Often, designs of Venetian masks derive from Commedin dell'arte and can be found in full-face, nose, or eye styles.

Masks have always been a staple of the Venetian Carnival, and were worn between the Festival of Santo Stefano (St. Stephen's Day, December 26) which was the beginning of the carnival season and Shrove Tuesday. Masks were also worn during Ascension, and from October 5 to the Christmas holiday, which allowed people to be in disguise a large proportion of the year.

It's not surprising that mask makers held a special position in society. Venetian masks are made in leather or paper-mache. Original masks were mostly simple in design and decoration, but provided a symbolic function. In today's world, many of the Venetian masquerade masks are still constructed by hand, hand-painted and embellished with gesso and gold leaf, and decorated with natural feathers and gems.

Types of Venetian Masquerade Masks:

Bauta

Traditionally, the Bauta mask covers the entire face, has a strong chin line, no mouth, and lots of gilding. The square jaw line usually pointed upwards, which allowed the wearer to talk,, eat and drink without removing the mask. Being able to keep the mask on preserved the wearer's anonymity.

Columbine

The Columbine mask is also known as Columbina and Columbino. This is a half mask and often decorated with gold, silver, feathers and crystals. The mask can be on a baton or tied with a ribbon to obscure the wearers face. A variety of styles can be found within the Columbine mask, such as the Cat Woman and Joker styles.

The Plaque Doctor (Medico Della Peste)

The Plaque Doctor mask can easily be recognized by its long beak, making it the most bizarre of Venetian masks. The mask originates from Charles de Lormethe, a French physician in the 16^th century, who adopted wearing the mask along with other peculiar sanitary precautions in the treatment of plague victims. The original full-face mask was white with a hollow beak and round eye holes that were outlined with crystal discs that created a bespectacled effect.

Today, however, the Plague Doctor masks are more decorative.

Moretta

The Moretta mask is popular in Venice because it brought out the beauty of a female's head, body and mind. This mask was held in place by the wearer biting on a button, and finished off with a veil. Servetta Muta can be translated as a "mute maid servant." Since 1760, this mask has not been commonly worn.

Volto (Larva)

The volto mask is mostly white, and typically Venetian. The mask is worn with a tricorn (cocked hat) and cloak. Many believe the word "larva" stems from Latin meaning "mask" or "ghost." Typical of the bauta, the volto allowed the wearer to breath freely, drink and talk without having to remove the mask. Volto masks were made from fine wax cloth and were comfortable to wear, which made them ideal for socializing and dancing.

In America, Venetian masks can be seen during the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana. Through Mardi Gras colorful masquerade masks adorned with feathers, sequins and crystals are worn at parties, parades and to festive activities and events. Although masks are not new or rare and can be made by cookie-cutter manufacturers, many Venetian masquerade masks continue to be handcrafted and individually decorated by skilled artists.