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Masquerade masks were in the beginning produced in Italy to become a type of diversion to the townfolk during festival season, and stuck on quickly as, once concealed behind a mask, the noblemen and ladies could openly associate with the commoners throughout festivity. Old Italian law stipulated the two groups weren't authorized to mix, a law which, if violated could result in serious discipline. Even in the face of such discipline, the noblemen with the clergy would cover up themselves and interact alongside the commoners, doing their best to ferret out precious political material from them. The type for the masquerade cover up could be as basic or as ornate as the inventor could envision. Because beads, ribbon and feathers were continually abundant and lively, they were standard items on masks. After their creation in Italy, the reputation of the masquerade mask spread rapidly worldwide.

Varieties of Venetian Masks

There are five common Venetian mask types that are produced with leather, paper mache’ or with the application of gesso and gold leaf.The Bauta mask, with its square jawline, sharp chin and no mouth, shielded the face for total anonymity. The Bauta is one of the oldest Venetian masks, whose proper name is “Larva,” which translates too ghost mask. The Bauta mask was made with a jutting beaked front, permitting its wearer to both eat and drink while staying masked-the design also changed the tone of the user's voice, adding further to the mystery. The Bauta was typically either black or white and was the one mask which was not worn just at carnival times; it was actually obligatory for women to have on the Bauta mask when relishing an evening at the theater.

The beautiful black velvet oval mask, shown to boost the feminine features, is known as a Moretta or Servetta Mutta, indicating a mute maid servant, most likely because the wearer was not able to speak due to 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 guarantee their silence. While the original Moretta mask was held secured through a button clenched between the user's teeth, today’s Moretta masks use ties.

The Larva or Volto masquerade mask is practically all white, likely donned along with a three cornered hat to complete the outfit. Similar to the Bauta, the shape of the mask alotted the individual to breathe and drink, and so there was no necessity to take it off and disclose one’s identity. The Larva masks were composed of fine wax cloth, and were particularly easy to carry, rendering them appropriate for eating, dancing-and mingling!

The Columbino mask was a half-mask, secured onto the face by a baton or tied with a ribbon. It was a lovely actress from the sixteenth century who inspired the Columbino; it had been rumored that she considered herself too gorgeous to hide her whole 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 by the name of Charles de Lorme was the mask’s inventor who in fact constructed the mask as a safeguard for caring for patients with the plague. Medico Della Peste is a complete full-faced mask which sports a long, slender, hollow beak. These masks are typically entirely white, with round eye holes adorned with crystal discs.

The Domino mask is typically a small rounded mask covering just the eyes and the space between them; Venetian Carnival masks were recognized as domini because they mirrored French priests’ winter hoods, being black on the outside and white in the interior. The domino mask is a lot like the masquerade mask, yet is lacking in the elaborations and decoration.

The widely used colors of the masks were typically bright oranges, reds, blues and greens, with darker colors mostly selected for the men’s full-face mask. Masks continue to be widespread in these modern times be it at a Venetian carnival, an unconventional wedding, costume balls, or special festivals like Chinese New Year and Renaissance Fair. By far the most preferred use is during the celebration of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Masquerade masks are also frequently used as merely interesting pieces of artwork. New Year’s Masquerade balls are also extremely popular event-after all, bearing a striking masquerade mask to welcome in the New Year just seems to go together! The most used colors for New Year’s parties usually are black and white or black and silver, and often people use stick masks for these gatherings as they can be utilised periodically. If you are seeking to look truly stylish in addition to elegant this New Year’s, think about the addition of a masquerade mask to your own outfit.

Ivy Davila is a columnist at Frankel's Costume Blog . Visit the website at blog.frankelcostume.com.