Venetian masks were used for centuries in the city of Venice, to protect the wearer’s identity. Behind the mask, people in Venice used to feel free to indulge in promiscuous or decadent activities. These distinctive masks were created using papier-mâché and were decorated with fabric, fur, leather, gems, ribbons and gold. Venetian masks are today used during carnivals and hedonistic street fairs. However, these masks were used by all people in Venice during the medieval era.
The Origins Of The Venetian Mask
During the Medieval era in Italy, owing to religious oppression, people felt that their freedom of expression was sorely restricted. Venetian masks became a way to indulge in activities that were frowned upon by the religious authorities. Behind the masks, anyone could take on a different identity, and mingle and merge with any aspect of society without fear of being recognized. The masks freed the people from being recognized, evaluated and judged the small city of Venice.
From an official perspective, these masks allowed people to the Republic of Venice to express their opinions on important matters anonymously. Both the citizens and the officials visiting the city benefited from this and the Republic of Venice was able to make several changes to make the citizens’ lives better. This gave an unofficial stamp of approval to the use of Venetian masks, which was misused by the people.
People, seeking to benefit from their anonymity, and knowing that they would be spared the repercussions if they weren’t recognized, began to behave more lavishly and without fear. Venice was a busy city that saw many travelers and business visitors daily. People started using venetian masks to offer sexual favors, and to indulge in gambling during the day and night. The masks gave homosexuals a chance to meet other homosexuals and indulge in their desires without fearing the Church. The Catholic Church has always condemned homosexuality but it was difficult to catch and punish the perpetrators owing to the anonymity the masks gave them. Women could now wear revealing clothing and cover their faces with elaborate masks. It became difficult to tell professional whores from society women of good families. Monks and nuns too, hid behind masks to drop their religious vows for a night or two of reveling. The masks allowed the common folk to mingle with the gentry and vice versa, with none being the wiser.
Catholic Church Ban
Rome knew about the activities in the Venetian Republic but since substantial financial deposits continued to be made from Venice, Rome chose to ignore the situation. Finally, the Catholic Church decided to act and outlawed the Venetian mask masquerades several times, especially on holy days. However, despite being outlawed several times, people continued to revel behind the masks, until the Church was forced to declare that the masks should not be used b between Christmas and Shrove Tuesday. Therefore, the period between Christmas and Shrove Tuesday evolved into the Carnevale (which means, “remove meat”) which is now known as Lent.
Modern Day Use Of Venetian Masks
In modern times, Venetian masks are used during carnivals. Traditionally, the mask’s base is sculpted from clay. Masks are also made from papier-mâché, which are then layered over with plaster for firmness. They are designed using bright colors, sequins, feathers and a host of other embellishments.
Several recognizable types of Venetian masks used in carnivals. A mask that covers the whole face with a stubborn chin line, no opening for the mouth and lots of gilded decoration is called a Bauta mask. The Columbino mask is a half-mask that has gold and silver stripes with jeweled eyes. This kind of mask is held up to the face with an attached stick. Harlequin masks usually have large, hooked noses, and bear a pattern of black and white checkered diamonds, apart from bright pursed lips painted on the mask.
During Halloween masquerade balls and during carnivals such as Mardi Gras, Venetian masks are used, paying homage to their Italian origins in medieval times.
