Venetian masks were in popular use during the Italian Renaissance, when people rebelled against religious oppression and strict rules by anonymously indulging in forbidden activities from behind masks. Over time, the Catholic Church banned the use of these masks, except during a three-month period after Christmas. This three-month period sees many carnivals worldwide, including the Mardi gras, where participants use colorful and exotic Venetian masks.
You’ll find many different types of Venetian masks; however, not many know of the true origins of venetian masks, or their significance. During the Italian Renaissance in Venice, Venetian masks were favored by the upper classes, more than the lower classes. The upper class had to worry about being recognized and judged, more than the lower class did. As a result, the upper class Venetian masks were beautifully designed using expensive materials, befitting the wealth and status of their owners. In a way, the very opulence of a mask would say much about the owner, even while offering anonymity.
These Venetian masks are made from materials such as paper mache, plaster, precious metals, and leather and so on. They are hand painted and are embellished with various glittery effects including precious gems. Venetian masks come in traditional shapes that date back to their Carnevale origins in Italy. These masks are beautiful, and a collector’s joy.
This mask portrays a joker, covering either half the face or the full face. The mask has curls of hair coming out at its end, and has a bell at its peak. This mask is similar to the clown mask worn by a circus clown but designed more aesthetically with colorful materials as a carnival mask.
This mask covers only half the face that includes the forehead, eyes and nose. This mask has a long, pointy nose, is brightly covered, and is used by men during carnivals.
This simple but exotic mask covers only the eyes. You can tie this mask to your head using a ribbon, or hold the mask in place in front of your eyes on a decorated, attached rod on the side of the mask. The Columbina mask is embellished with gems at the side of the eyes, or with plumes on top. This mask was popular with ladies on the dance floor during carnival times.
This mask is also known as the gatto mask, and it looks similar to the face of a cat. It actually has little cat ears at the top! This mask covers only the top half of the face, leaving the tip of the nose and the mouth free. This mask is fairly effective in hiding a person’s identity, while bringing in a fun element to the party.
The Bauta mask is square on top and pointed at the bottom, elongating the face and adding mystery to the person wearing it. Worn with a cape and a tri-cornered back hat, this hat is favored by people who don’t want to be recognized at all through their features. This mask can be titled upwards to allow the wearer to talk, eat and drink without having to remove the mask. In 18th century, this mask had become a society disguise that was actually regulated by the Venetian government. Certain political decision-making events required that the participants wear the Bauta masks, and act anonymously as peers. Only Venetian citizens were allowed to use the Bauta and thus non-citizens were easily spotted. Citizens were not allowed to wear or use weapons along with the Bauta mask.
