History Of The Venetian Carnival Masks
A lot of festivals are celebrated worldwide but not all of them have a common costume — a mask. Apart from Brazil’s carnival that attracts a total of 1.7 million tourists with the highest amount of audience in the year 2019; the Venice Carnival attracts a total of 3 million lovers from around the world.
The Venice carnival won’t be marked as one without the mask. It’s a mystery, let alone it has an attractive pull (or do I say spell) that keeps on retaining audiences. But what’s spectacular about this mask? This article tends to dive deep into the history, various types and themes of each Venice Carnival.
It all began in the year 1162 when the Venetian Republic had a military victory over the Patriarch of Aquileia Ulrico di Treven. And in other to celebrate the victory, the people gathered and danced in the San Marco Square making the festival in that period official in the Renaissance.
Dancing had always been a way of life for the people in that period up to the 17th century, hence the baroque carnival was put in place as a way to save the prestigious image of Venice in the world. It became very famous in the 18th century as masks were put in place to mark as an important feature.
The Venetian masks have always been an important feature of the Venetian carnival as it is made of leather, porcelain or using the original glass technique. Nowadays, most Italian masks are made with the application of gesso and gold leaf and they are also hand-printed using natural feathers and gems for decoration.
The Carnival became a public festivity in 1296 with an act of the Senate of the Republic of Venice, but sources say its origins are older. With the masks as part of the carnival, people of all classes and statuses were able to mingle together. Although they participated in illegal activities like political assassination, gambling, dancing and partying the night away, this was the only time aristocrats and peasants were able to get to know one another.
The Venetian nobles were not pompous bastards or gullible fat lords that lived off the backs of the people; rather they were adventurers and merchants who were always risking their lives (against storms, pirates and attacks by enemies) for the betterment of their people. The adventure was a way of life for them, therefore a city that offered diverse types of adventure was created. With this venture, carnival broke traditional boundaries and masks entered the realm of everyday life.
Types of Venetian Masks
A walk within Italy wouldn’t be complete without seeing various masks around the streets and shops. They are colourful and inviting and some look odd. In this section, we are going to look at various types of Venetian masks.
1. Medico Della Peste
This mask originated from the 17th-century French physician, Charles de Lorme. He used it as a way to prevent the spread of diseases, so it's safe to say it (the mask) didn’t start as a carnival mask. It’s a precursor to the gas mask. Medico Della Peste has features of a long beak and it's one of the most bizarre-looking masks.
2. Bauta
Also known as baútta, this mask is shaped in a way that it can stand upright and goes along with a red or black cape and a tricorn. It was introduced in the 16th century and was worn by the Upper classes in the Venetian society, but worn by the masses during the carnival.
This mask covers the whole face, has an uneven chin line and preserves the wearer's anonymity.
3. Colombina
It's an Italian word for little dove and was played by a character in Commedia dell’arte in the 15th century. According to the role, she was dressed in ragged and patched dresses that suited a servant.
It is said that this mask is appropriate for a lady who is fearless to allow her personality to be truly evident. It’s worn by both men and women and at balls with a distinguishable feature that allows them to eat and drink conveniently. It is adorned with a variety of fabrics, feathers and jewels.
4. Pantalone
One of the ancient Venetian masks is designed to look like an old man who has a beaked nose and heavy eyebrows.
