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This catagory contains a wonderful array of authentic Venetian masks, the disigns of which date back to ancient history. Here you will find such masks as the Bauta, the plague doctor and the morreto Venetian mask.
he tradition of wearing masks in Venice dates back to the 11th century when Venetians would don masks as spring approached and winter faded. The word Carnival is thought by mant to derive from the latin words "Carn vale" farewell to meat which ties in with the it finishing on shrove tuesday, the last day before Lent, a time for fasting and quiet contemplation.
As time went by the wearing of masks became an all year round event. It served many purposes, most of them being of dubious morale standing! On the plus side all men, and women were equal when wearing a mask, on the down side promiscuity was rampant, even amongst members of the church.
The early masks worn by the Venetian citizens were simple yet striking in design. They were made of papier mache or leather in mainly black or white. Favourite designs were the Bata mask, the Moreta mask, and the long nose mask
This catagory contains a wonderful array of authentic Venetian masks, the disigns of which date back to ancient history. Here you will find such masks as the Bauta, the plague doctor and the morreto Venetian mask.
he tradition of wearing masks in Venice dates back to the 11th century when Venetians would don masks as spring approached and winter faded. The word Carnival is thought by mant to derive from the latin words "Carn vale" farewell to meat which ties in with the it finishing on shrove tuesday, the last day before Lent, a time for fasting and quiet contemplation.
As time went by the wearing of masks became an all year round event. It served many purposes, most of them being of dubious morale standing! On the plus side all men, and women were equal when wearing a mask, on the down side promiscuity was rampant, even amongst members of the church.
The early masks worn by the Venetian citizens were simple yet striking in design. They were made of papier mache or leather in mainly black or white. Favourite designs were the Bata mask, the Moreta mask, and the long nose mask
