What was the purpose of masquerade masks

They were joined in their art work by "targheri" - craftsmen who created new "faces". The wearing of masks in theatres dates back as far as the ancient Greek festivals in honour of Dionysius, god of theatre.

When the Romans conquered Southern Europe, they adapted the Grecian love of theatre and the use of masks in plays and celebrations.

The Venice Carnival , or Carnevale which dates back to the 15 th century, is still famous today, attracting tourists from all around the world to the color and excitement of this ancient tradition.

It therefore lasted more than two months. It was the most sumptuous and extravagant carnival in the world, but the incredible thing is that it made up only a part of the period in which mask wearing was permitted.

The first law regulating the use of masks dates back to the 13 century, but nobody knows when the Venetians actually started wearing them as a part of every day life. What we do know, however, is that this all ended with the fall of the Venetian Republic, at the end of the 18th century.

Before that, the law allowed for masks to be worn for most of the year. In the 18th century for example , from the 5th October to the 10th June - 8 months - apart from 10 days during Advent and the 40 days of Lent. This does seem excessive at first, but can be explained. Venice was an aristocratic republic with it's unique style of democracy effective only within the upper classes, while the ordinary people had no say in government.

Despite this, the aristocracy was always loved and admired by the people. Therefore, with the wealth, power and consensus they enjoyed, the aristocracy could impose its own lifestyle as a model for the whole of Venetian society.

However, the Venetian nobles were not fat, idle feudal land lords and they certainly did not live off the backs of the rest of the people. They were merchants and adventurers, who risked their riches and sometimes their own lives on the ships which worked the Eastern trade routes. These masks are worn to great effect with elaborate costumes during the Venetian Carnival Carnevale and can also be worn as a masquerade mask to a masked ball or masked event.

Little is known about the reasons for wearing of the masks during the carnival. Idea of wearing a mask in Venice was not to hide identity but to hide a class. Masks that are traditionally used during Venetian Carnival can be divided in to two groups: Commedia dell' Arte masks and Carnival masks. Respirators that cover the nose and mouth are called half - mask respirators. Those that cover the face , including the eyes, are called full- face respirators. People should wear a surgical mask when they have respiratory infection; when taking care of patient with respiratory infection; or when visiting clinics or hospitals during pandemic or peak season for influenza in order to reduce the spread of infection.

The idea behind a masquerade ball theme is to have everything exude sophistication alongside a strong theatrical presentation. It's common for masquerade parties to use an art deco style with chandeliers, string curtains, candelabras, feathers, lanterns, drapes, and to make use of masks in your props and decorations. Choose from any of these Masquerade and Mardi Gras Mask templates.

As an option, you can modify the shape of the mask before cutting it out. What is the purpose of a masquerade mask? Category: style and fashion womens formal wear.

Masquerade masks are an article worn on the face, typically for entertainment, protection, disguise or performance.

Masquerade masks have been used throughout history in ceremonies and also for practical purposes. Do people still have masquerade balls? What is the history behind masquerade masks? How should you dress for a masquerade ball? What do you do at a masquerade party? Things to Do for Adults at a Masquerade Ball. Scavenger Hunt. What is a mask party called? What is a masquerade spirit? What is masquerade attack? What are the different types of masks?

What are the types of oxygen masks? Pulcinella was witty and crafty character but also full of common sense. Despite suspicions about things, Pierrot always end up trusting people and believing in their lies. A stock character of pantomime and Commedia dell'Arte. Perhaps more surprising is that it owes its genesis to the scarcity of cats in Venice during the days of the Republic, indicating that felines were prized above other species of domestic animal on account of their rarity.

The wearing of masks and costumes was well established by , when the mascherari were officially recognized with their own guild. The practice of wearing masks for disguise reached its peak around 18th Century, when Venetians of different social classes used Carnival as an excuse to mingle without fear of recognition or retribution. Masks along with the Carnevale virtually disappeared when Napoleon's army brought an end to the Venetian Republic in However, they have staged a spectacular comeback since a group of former Academy of Fine Arts students opened Venice's first modern mask shop in Venice Carnival masks fall into several categories: Commedia dell'Arte masks are based on traditional characters like Harlequin and Pierrot.

According to tradition, the beak was intended to protect the wearer from being infected by the plague. We quite often get asked the question "How did they make Venetian masks"? So we thought we would help by answering it here Well, Masquerade masks have been made in Venice, Italy for over years and there are many mediums that are currently being used to create the masks. Traditionally paper mache is used because it is light, comfortable and does not become humid on the person who wears it.