Mask in Venice
It was a time in the history of Venice where the Venetians wore masks almost throughout the year and not just for special occasions. They were part of everyday life and became very popular, when they began to appear at the Venice Carnival in 1268. They were so popular with people from all walks of life, because they allowed the bearer to hide their identity and mingle with people from other classes of society without being known or discovered.
The mask-makers, called mascherari, held a very important place in society and highly skilled in the art of mask making. There is even a law dated date mask manufacturers 10 April 1436 in recognition of the industry, but after several hundred years of masks really part of the culture of Venice, Venetian Senate decreed that the wearing of masks would be severely restricted. They believed there was an increase of mask port for illicit and illegal activities and, with the culprit being hidden, it was very difficult to identify.
Masks becomes a thing of the parties for children until the Carnival of Venice was revived in 1979 and, suddenly, their popularity shot once more. During the Carnival of Venice, you'll see lots of locals and tourists to Venice by wearing Venetian masks of all different kinds, but you can buy these often exquisite artwork at any time of year, many shops in Venice.
Where can I buy Venetian masks
Authentic Venetian masks handmade very carefully with great skill and attention to detail to these masks come with a high price. But if you are looking for a mask that you would proudly hang on your wall or posting on your buffet authentic Venetian masks are what you should be buying.
If you're looking for more a memento of your visit to Venice, or you want something affordable to wear in the Carnival of Venice, you can buy cheaper imitation in the majority of tourists based shops in Venice. They will be cheaper, but quality will show and it is likely that they were not yet made in Venice!
Different Types of Venetian masks
There are several kinds of Venetian masks, some are more popular than others, and some are more beautiful than others. Plague doctor popular (Medico della plague) masks can be quite scary and quite beautiful in appearance, but it depends on how it is styled. He has brilliantly colored and decorated, it makes much less macabre!
Plague doctor mask contains the characteristic long beak and they originated in the 16th century in a drawing by a French doctor who tried to protect themselves against the plague.
Other types of Venetian masks are a little more normal in appearance and include the clearest Volto (or a lava) masks are primarily whites and are usually worn with a "snuffbox" hat and a coat.
BAUTA masks are beautifully decorated in comparison and are usually the most common mask that you see being worn at the Venice Carnival, more popular to buy as souvenirs. They usually cover the whole face while Columbine mask covers only half of the face.
How to make a Venetian mask
If you are visiting the Venice Carnival and wants to make your own mask, it is possible! The most common way of what actually is with paper-maché, although this can be messy and time-consuming. Another popular alternative is to buy a simple mask in your country of origin and decorate with feathers, beads, crystals and flakes for example, create your own unique and personalized mask you can bring with you to Venice for Carnival!
Christopher Auriol is a specialist travel TwilightBlue travel. Visit twilightblue.eu for more information about European Festivals or more information about the Venice Carnival 2011.
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