There is nothing like hiding behind a mask to disguise your true identity and that has been the attraction through the ages. Of course there were some other reasons for wearing them such as the plague doctors who wore those with huge beaks stuffed with herbs for protection. Theater is another arena where they have always been used to great effect. Venetian masquerade masks were first worn as early as the 13th century and are still being worn today.
The society in Venice was very class conscious and a device covering the face enabled an individual to escape his place in this structure and experience some freedom. So many individuals walking the city in disguise inevitably gave rise to more crime and immorality. This forced the officials to make laws restricting wearing of a mask to the three months of carnival.
Carnival time gave people the chance to come out in a variety of face covering devices, from those which covered the whole face, like the Bauta, to those which only covered the eyes. The Bauta was one of the most commonly worn, with its full white face and square jawline. This was usually accompanied by a black cape. Some ladies preferred to cover only their eyes and they would hold the mask up to their face with an attached rod.
The artistry of those early mask makers is unquestioned. They took great pride in their work, paying attention to the finest details. Most of them were made from paper mache and then decorated. Decorations included beads, plumes and precious gems.
Many modern movies have featured a hero or a villain wearing a mask. We see how concealment affects behavior. Special occasions like fund raising balls or graduations are perfect opportunities for mask wearing. An individual is liberated to act completely differently for a short time. For example, a shy young man can act as a flamboyant Don Juan for the evening.
There are mask makers today who take their craft as seriously as those of long ago. Along with other authentic products like Murano glass jewelry or Italian leather purses, they are still being produced with fine attention to detail. They are desired by customers from all over the world who appreciate their quality.
Carnival is still celebrated in Venice and attended by individuals proudly wearing their venetian masquerade masks. The fact that there is still a demand for masks has meant that this ancient craft continues to be practiced. As the enticement of wearing a device to hide behind does not seem to fade with time, it is sure to continue for years to come.
The society in Venice was very class conscious and a device covering the face enabled an individual to escape his place in this structure and experience some freedom. So many individuals walking the city in disguise inevitably gave rise to more crime and immorality. This forced the officials to make laws restricting wearing of a mask to the three months of carnival.
Carnival time gave people the chance to come out in a variety of face covering devices, from those which covered the whole face, like the Bauta, to those which only covered the eyes. The Bauta was one of the most commonly worn, with its full white face and square jawline. This was usually accompanied by a black cape. Some ladies preferred to cover only their eyes and they would hold the mask up to their face with an attached rod.
The artistry of those early mask makers is unquestioned. They took great pride in their work, paying attention to the finest details. Most of them were made from paper mache and then decorated. Decorations included beads, plumes and precious gems.
Many modern movies have featured a hero or a villain wearing a mask. We see how concealment affects behavior. Special occasions like fund raising balls or graduations are perfect opportunities for mask wearing. An individual is liberated to act completely differently for a short time. For example, a shy young man can act as a flamboyant Don Juan for the evening.
There are mask makers today who take their craft as seriously as those of long ago. Along with other authentic products like Murano glass jewelry or Italian leather purses, they are still being produced with fine attention to detail. They are desired by customers from all over the world who appreciate their quality.
Carnival is still celebrated in Venice and attended by individuals proudly wearing their venetian masquerade masks. The fact that there is still a demand for masks has meant that this ancient craft continues to be practiced. As the enticement of wearing a device to hide behind does not seem to fade with time, it is sure to continue for years to come.
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