Carnival mask: history, interesting types

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Behind masks, people hide not only faces, but also secrets. Various mystical-mysterious associations are associated with them. Anything can be hidden behind the mask…

But also masks are a great accessory for the carnival. It is in this role that they are most often found, excluding the ritual traditions of various tribes. A beautiful carnival mask is a real work of art. In this article we will talk about this accessory, recall its history and some varieties.

The beginning of the story

Masks were originally part of ritual paraphernalia. Each mask had its own specific meaning and use. Today, many traditions have been preserved, having been transformed into a modern way. Next, consider what is the history of the mask of the Venetian carnival.

So, in ancient times, masks served as a way to hide their identity to those who had reprehensible intimate relationships, participated in illegal actions. The first such accessories appeared in Venice several centuries ago.

Decoration of masks was of great importance. The luxury and beauty with which they shone caused awe.

Fur, expensive fabrics, precious stones,bird feathers. The base was made from papier-mâché. Directly binding to the Venice Carnival (Carnevale) appeared a little later. As attributes of we alth and all kinds of self-praise, the masks fit perfectly into these processions, shimmering with all shades of life's pleasures.

Carnival masks

If we talk about carnival masks, we should say that they appeared some time ago in Venice. They began to wear these accessories a long time ago, and there were many reasons for this.

Masks were put on both for fun and to hide your face, committing a certain sin. It happened that the faces of some residents of Venice were hidden for most of the year.

In the 18th century, the fame of the Venetian carnivals began to spread throughout Europe. Anyone could take part in them, regardless of social status, origin. Masks for such a motley gathering had a smoothing function: hiding the personas of their wearers, they allowed people to feel freer.

Various masks were made in special workshops. Decoration was given great importance: rich people could afford to order a unique accessory for the celebration. They made masks for the carnival with their own hands, and their originality did not suffer from this.

Next, we will take a closer look at certain types of masks that have become widespread due to their vivid symbolism.

Bauta is the most popular carnival mask

This type of mask was seen at the carnival in Venice most often, and over time it became more and more popular. Bautaserved to ensure that the carrier did not advertise his social origin. The mask was used not only in carnival processions.

Bauta, first of all, allowed its owner to feel free in any environment. The influence of social norms was not so burdensome, and it was desired by most of the population. The mask gave freedom in romantic adventures, and often criminal ones.

Bauta has an unusual shape, angular and hard. The decor somewhat softens the impression, as well as the combination of a mask and a traditional triangular hat. It was in an ensemble with a hat, a cloak, a large satin hood that Bauta was usually worn in Venice. This type of mask is also called Casanova or Larva.

Cats in Venice and Gatto's mask

A colorful story contributed to the appearance of the Gatto mask. At that time in the city of magnificent carnivals it was extremely difficult to meet a cat. There was a legend about an old Chinese poor man who came to Venice. Apart from an equally old cat, the man had nothing. But the animal managed to rid the Doge's palace of mice, for which the old man was generously rewarded.

The story had a continuation: upon returning home, the neighbor of the old Chinese set out to help out in Venice for luxurious Chinese silks much more than for some decrepit cat. And the doge happily agreed to exchange the most expensive thing in his palace for fabrics. This value turned out to be a cat, which thus returned to its native country.

The cat mask, Gatto, is cute and mischievous. She was willingly used at the carnival.

Jester and Joly

The famous carnival mask depicting a jester in a pointed cap is one of the most popular accessories. It is often seen as a decorative item due to its unusual shape and adventurous look.

This carnival mask depicts a typical type of jester that existed in Europe during the Middle Ages. At first, it was actively used in theaters in Spain, Germany, Holland, England and other countries. Jesters were then treated in a special way: they were considered the owners of an unusual gift of childishness, carriers of a mixture of madness and courage. They were willingly given money in return for their funny antics.

The Jester's mask is always made in bright colors. Small bells were usually attached to the ends of his cap. Other names: Joker, Buffon. The female version of the mask was called Joly.

Sinister Dottore Peste

Perhaps one of the darkest masks of modern carnival. The history of its appearance is connected with the times when Europe suffered from a plague epidemic. The Plague Doctor's mask has a large, downward-curving beak, similar to the masks used by physicians in the Middle Ages to ward off infection.

In general, Plague Doctor's outfit, along with Dottore Peste, is dark and sinister. Looking at this attribute, you can forget that the carnival is masks, smiles, fun, mischief.

DIY masks

A carnival mask is very appropriate for a modern holiday. New Year's carnivalsrapidly gaining popularity in the post-Soviet space. Children and adults willingly try on different masks: mysterious Amazons, desperate filibusters, gentle fairies, cute little animals. Today, you can not only buy them, but also make them yourself using one of the many techniques.

So, do-it-yourself carnival masks are made from traditional papier-mâché, cast from a thin layer of plaster. Techniques using liquid silicone are also interesting: with a special gun, an openwork contour of the mask is depicted on a paper blank, and then removed after drying.

Elegant masks are made from fabrics. Felt, satin, lace are successfully combined, forming bizarre shapes, juggling with color.

Conclusion

So our historical digression to the time of the creation of masks ended. We looked at some variations of this festive attribute, and found out how many-sided masks can be. For a New Year's Eve carnival, a theme party, a birthday or any other occasion, you can use these accessories to create the right mood.

We hope you found this article interesting and helpful.