masquerade masks were originally designed in Italy to provide a type of diversion for the townfolk during festival months, and caught on swiftly, once undetectable behind a mask, the gentlemen and ladies could freely associate with the commoners during festival. Old Italian law noted the two classes were not authorized to mingle, a law which, if broken could result in major consequences. Even in the face of such consequence, the noblemen including clergy would cover up themselves and speak together with the commoners, doing their finest to ferret out very important political material from them. The construction of the masquerade cover up can be as plain or as sophisticated as the maker could imagine. Because beads, ribbon and feathers were generally plentiful and radiant, they were common pieces on masks. After their inception in Italy, the likeability of the masquerade mask dispersed swiftly throughout the world.
Styles of Venetian Masks
There are five standard Venetian mask types which are constructed from leather, paper mache' or with the application of gesso and gold leaf. The Bauta mask, with its square jawline, sharp chin without a mouth, hid the face for complete anonymity. The Bauta is one of the earliest Venetian masks, whose legitimate name is "Larva," which means ghost mask. The Bauta mask was created with a jutting beaked front, allowing its user to both eat and drink while remaining masked-the design also changed the tone of the wearer's voice, adding further to the mystery. The Bauta was usually either black or white and was the one mask which was not worn exclusively at carnival times; it was actually obligatory for women to don the Bauta mask when relishing a night at the theater.
The impressive black velvet oval mask, thought to accentuate the womanly features, is known as a Moretta or Servetta Mutta, which suggests a mute maid servant, most likely because the wearer was unable to speak a result of the mask's style. The Moretta mask originated in France but became quite the rage amidst Venetian women who wore it while visiting the convent, perhaps to help ensure their silence. Although the original Moretta mask was kept in place by way of a button clenched between the user's teeth, modern Moretta masks use ties.
The Larva or Volto masquerade mask is almost all white, likely utilized along with a tri- cornered hat to finish the outfit. Much like the Bauta, the design of the mask alotted the individual to breathe and drink, therefore there was no need to remove it and expose one's identity. The Larva masks were created with fine wax cloth, and were quite lightweight, rendering them suitable for eating, dancing-and flirting!
The Columbino mask was a half-mask, secured to the face using a baton or attached with a ribbon. It was a stunning actress from the sixteenth century who inspired the Columbino; it had been rumored that she believed herself too attractive to hide her complete face. Combine masks tend to be adorned with fur, feathers, jewels, gold, silver and crystals.
The Medico Della Peste mask (The Plague Doctor). A French Physician named Charles de Lorme was the mask's inventor who in fact developed the mask as a safeguard for treating people with the plague. Medico Della Peste is a complete full-faced mask that has a long, slim, hollow beak. These masks are typically completely white, with round eye holes adorned with crystal discs.
The Domino mask is known as a small rounded mask covering merely the eyes as well as the area between them; Venetian Carnival masks were often called domini because they mirrored French priests' winter hoods, with black on the outside and white on the inside. The domino mask is similar to the masquerade mask, though lacks the embellishments and decoration.
The most common colors associated with the masks were usually vivid oranges, reds, blues and greens, with darker colors generally selected for the men's full-face mask. Masks continue to be widespread today either at a Venetian carnival, an non-traditional wedding, costume balls, or special celebrations like Chinese New Year and Renaissance Fair. Probably the most popular use is in the celebration of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Masquerade masks are also commonly used as purely interesting pieces of artwork. New Year's Masquerade balls are also particularly popular affair-after all, using a lovely masquerade mask to welcome in the New Year just seems to go together! The most used colors for New Year's parties often are black and white or black and silver, and many people use stick masks for these events as they can be used intermittently. If you're trying to look really stylish as well as elegant this New Year's, consider the addition of a masquerade mask as part of your outfit.
Ivy Davila is a columnist at Frankel's Costume Blog. Visit the website at blog.frankelcostume.com.
