The enormous mystique of the masquerade ball is a tradition that dates back to practices upheld by the middle class in the 15th and 16th centuries. Often ceremonial gatherings like weddings, pageants, or other festive events set by ruling dynasties were the occasions when venetian masquerade masks adorned the faces of all in attendance.
The masks were at one time primarily associated with Venetian Carnival, an annual festival based in Venice, Italy starting two weeks before Ash Wednesday and ending on Fat Tuesday.
Because social classes at the time were so deeply divided, masks became a clandestine way for members of lower class groups to socialize among those of the upper class. They could move in and out of gatherings without being positively identified or kicked out. Masks also assisted upper class people who wanted to behave differently than they were expected in being a bit more boisterous or daring than usual.
Venetian masquerade masks are usually made of leather or using papier-mâché. Many are embellished with rhinestones, crystals, and feathers. Masks and the masquerades associated with them are intended to conceal identity. Part of the enjoyment of these occasions comes from guessing which people you know are behind the masks. There are a few different types of Venetian masquerade masks that ball-goers use.
Bauta masks are replicas of the entire face. Often, these masks come across as somber expressions in which there is no mouth (and consequently, no smile). There are some variations of the Bauta that cover only the upper face in order to allow mask wearers more freedom to eat and talk. When the upper face mask is worn, it is up to the mask wearer to create the ambiance of the mask by keeping a somber face - or, better yet, confusing everyone by smiling.
Moretta masks, made of black velvet and oval-shaped, are usually worn by women. These Venetian masquerade masks tend to highlight feminine features and appeal to those who use the masks primarily to enhance beauty at masquerade functions. Moretta masks were first worn in France and used by women in convents.
The larva mask is usually white and worn with a three-cornered hat (called a tricorn) along with a cloak. Frequently made of wax cloth, larva masks are generally easier to carry on the face since they do not weigh as much as the other two masks mentioned. They also cover the upper face and are ideal for parties where talking and drinking are a necessity without removing the mask.
Aside from costume retailers, you can find a wealth of resources on the internet. Many outlets specializing in Venetian masquerade masks offer them as hand-painted fine art pieces conjured up by the finest craftspeople. These masks not only offer the allure of shifting identity to those who wear them. They are also show-stopping pieces of art and help to make any masquerade gathering a magical place to land. Imagine: for the span of a party, you are able to lay all of your troubles aside and become an entirely new person.
