Types of Venetian Masks
There are five typical Venetian mask types which often can be made from leather, paper mache’ or with the usage of gesso and gold leaf.The Bauta mask, with its square jawline, pointed chin without any mouth, hid the face for absolute anonymity. The Bauta is one of the oldest Venetian masks, whose proper name is “Larva,” meaning ghost mask. The Bauta mask was created with a jutting beaked front, enabling its wearer to both eat and drink while remaining masked-the design also modified the tone of the individual's voice, adding further to the mystery. The Bauta was typically either black or white and was the one mask which was not worn primarily at carnival times; it was actually mandatory for women to put on the Bauta mask when relishing a night at the theater.
The beautiful black velvet oval mask, thought to heighten the feminine features, is known as a Moretta or Servetta Mutta, which suggests a mute maid servant, perhaps since the wearer was not able to speak due to the mask’s design. 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. While the original Moretta mask was held secured by having a button clenched between the user's teeth, modern Moretta masks favor ties.
The Larva or Volto masquerade mask is almost all white, and in most cases donned with a tri- cornered hat to finish the outfit. Similar to the Bauta, the design of the mask permitted the user to breathe and drink, in this case there was no necessity to take it off and disclose one’s identity. The Larva masks were made of fine wax cloth, and were quite easy to carry, rendering them appropriate for eating, dancing-and flirting!
The Columbino mask was a half-mask, secured to the face using a baton or tied with a ribbon. It was a beautiful actress from the sixteenth century who encouraged the Columbino; it had been speculated that she regarded herself too gorgeous to hide her entire face. Combine masks tend to be ornamented 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 developer who actually made the mask as a safeguard for caring for subjects with the plague. Medico Della Peste is a complete full-faced mask which comes with a long, slim, hollow beak. These masks tend to be completely white, with round eye holes covered with crystal discs.
The domino mask is a small rounded mask covering only the eyes and the space between them; Venetian Carnival masks were often referred to as domini due to the fact they mirrored French priests’ winter hoods, with black on the outside and white in the interior. The domino mask is just like the masquerade mask, yet lacks the embellishments and adornment.
The favored colors for the masks were most of the time intense oranges, reds, blues and greens, with darker colors customarily selected for the men’s full-face mask. Masks are still popular today be it attending the Venetian carnival, an unconventional wedding, costume balls, or special celebrations such as 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 frequently used as merely interesting pieces of artwork. New Year’s Masquerade balls tend to be tremendously popular event-after all, sporting a beautiful masquerade mask to welcome in the New Year just seems to go hand in hand! More common 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're wanting to look quite fashionable not to mention classy this New Year’s, consider the inclusion of a masquerade mask as part of your costume.
Ivy Davila spends most of her days writing at Frankel's Costume Blog. Check out the site for her other written work.
