Venetian plague doctor mask

£44.03

Venetian mask the plague doctor

The bizarrely beaked mask of the plague doctor (El medico de peaste" has possibly the most fascinating history of all the venetian masks. steeped in history it hold a macabre fascination for many, a direct link back to a dark nightmarish time in European history.

Many believe the mask to be based on the costume of the great plague doctor Charles De Lorme.

The De Lorme mask fulfilled a purpose , to protect its wearers identity (not good for your social calender if it was known you was in contact with plague victims) and to protect them from contracting the plague. To achieve this they stuffed the beak with herbs and clothes soaked in vinegar whilst the eye holes were covered with crystal lenses. The plague doctors wore this in conjunction with a hat, full length waxed linen robe, leather gloves , boots and breaches. They also carried a long wooden staff used to push away victims of the plague and to remove the bed covers from them.
This wonderful example of the mask that we have for sale has been hand crafted by master craftsmen in the very heart of Venice. It has a most traditional look that is perfect for those wishing to create an impact at any event they attend

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