Leather Venetian masks for sale from dealers and artisans.  Men's and Women's leather masks are perfect for masquerade balls, parties, and decorating.  Shaped leather Venetian masks are an exquisite accessory for those who want a classy look for a party.  Clicking the links below will open a new window in your browser with a full description of the leather Venetian Mask for sale on eBay.

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Types of Venetian Masks

Venetian masks were originally designed for all sorts of entertainment and games for the ruling class as well as lower classes. The masks held a symbolic purpose of disguising ones identity but they also served more functional purposes. Many of these purposes revolved around promiscuity, crime and other illicit behavior. Others wanted to free themselves from judgment and strict moral codes.

Mask-Makers and Guilds

The creation of thousands of masks would not have been possible without dedicated Venetian mask-makers. Also known as maschereri, these artisans were official members of a guild dedicated to crafting Venetian masks. They created various styles and shapes and decorated these masks with distinct features and aesthetic designs.

Venetian Mask Styles

There are three major types of Venetian Masks—the Bauta, Larva and Moretta. The Bauta was worn by men and women and was attached to a black mantle as well as a tricorn hat. The mask itself is white and completely covers the face, making it difficult to eat and speak. This was the ideal mask for the most mischievous behavior. The Larva, or Volto, is similar to the Bauta in that it is covered in white paint. These masks were made of fine wax cloth and were lighter in nature. The wearer can comfortably eat, drink and dance while remaining anonymous. They resembled a ghost lurking in the depths of the night. The Moretta was a black mask worn by women who visited convents. They held the mask in place by biting on to a button in the mouth. This prevented them from speaking.

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Venetian masks range from half masks, full face masks as well as head masks. Each one is distinct in shape and style. Head masks are attached to head pieces and other parts of the costume while full-face masks and half-masks are detachable. Full-face masks and head-masks are also more elaborate and decorated. They were the preferred choice among the troubling types. The more the face is covered, the more mystical the wearer becomes.

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The Mardi Gras Mask and Its Features

While Mardi Gras masks are being mass produced in modern times, thousands of people continue the tradition of creating handmade masks. This is an art form that has passed down from one generation to another and one culture to another. One can find original Mardi Gras masks from all parts of the world as collectible items or to wear during masked festivals.

Mardi Gras masks have been influenced from various Venetian masks from the 15th Century. This was the time where actual guilds were dedicated to the production of original handcrafted masquerade masks. Traditional masks, including Mardi Gras masks have decorative works of art. A lot of attention to detail and craftsmanship goes into making these disguises.

The most common type of Mardi Gras mask is the half-face one. This type generally covers the top portion of the face in order for the wearer to speak, eat and drink. These masks can be wrapped around the head using ribbon or can be attached to a stick. Individual wearers can then hold the masks and be able to reveal their identities as needed.

Bold and bright colors are typical of Mardi Gras. The traditional trio of colors for Mardi Gras in New Orleans is purple, yellow and green. Over time, participants of the celebrations began to wear masks of all sorts of colors and decorations. Mardi Gras masks are typically covered with bird feathers, beads, gems metallic paints, colorful designs and glitter. The more elaborate the masks are, the livelier the festival ultimately becomes.

By wearing a mask, individuals can conceal their identities from one another and participate in various acts with freedom. One is free from judgment and there is the opportunity to embody a different persona.

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Art masks on eBay

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Disguising one’s identity with elaborately painted masks was a significant part of the late 13th Century. Venice was the birthplace of the masquerade and the masks played a central role in society. Beginning on the day of Santo Stefano and ending at midnight of Shrove Tuesday, citizens of Venice would dress in fanciful outfits and eloquent masks to join together in celebration. As masquerade masks became increasingly popular, the mask-makers soon took up their own space in society and became members of a guild.

This became a yearly festival of the city and a whole range of masquerades took place revolving around stories of love, marriage and triumph. The Venetian youth would dress in costumes and masks and entertain the upper classes during the Venetian Carnival. Masquerade balls and elegant dinners were all part of the entertainment. Jugglers, acrobats and traveling exhibits took over the piazza and performed for the public. The sense of the unknown and the disguised allowed for everyone to come together and put aside the social standards of the time. It was a way to rid the individual of his identity so that he can act as he wishes.

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The story of the masquerade mask and the festivities, however, is not as optimistic as it seems. The earliest record of the Carnival of Venice dates back to 1268 and reveals a sense of opposition towards it. The festival of masks was a way for both the lower and uppers classes to hide their identities in order to freely participate in self-indulgent activities and mingle with the general public. From romantic encounters to murderous crimes, the streets of Venice became subversive and uncontrollable.

Venetians lived in a repressive environment during the Medieval Era, when the wearing of masks began to hold ground. As a result, the Catholic Church went through great lengths to outlaw the masquerades by establishing laws and regulations. The Church failed in banning the processions and eventually accepted the celebrations. The Catholic Church allocated a certain time period for the celebrations in accordance with religious holidays.

The months between Christmas and Shrove Tuesday were dedicated to the masquerades and eventually paved way for Carnevale. Carnevale was associated with pre-Lent traditions and the cleansing of evil spirits.

Masquerade balls and the entire culture surrounding the wearing of masks expanded to other parts of Europe, including England. The masquerades were generally held for the nobility in other parts of the continent. They enjoyed games held during the masquerade balls where guests had the opportunity to reveal each others’ identities.

The masquerade and all its glory began to lose ground during the 18th century. Venice fell under the rule of the Austrians and the celebrations eventually came to an end. It wasn’t until the late 20th century that the Carnival experienced a revival and people began to wear masquerade masks all over again. Since then, masquerade masks have become part of the artistic and craft-making culture of Italy as well as other countries. Aside from Venetian masks, there are also Mardi Gras and Harlequin masks. The masquerade mask is not only a historic and traditional part of culture but it is also a tourist attraction in modern times.

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The Story of Venetian Masks

The masquerade mask of Venice is the cultural symbol of the city. Travelers now flood the piazzas and canals of Venice searching for the mystical culture that once filled the air. These expressive and decorative masks are part of an entire festival that holds strong historic ground. The story of Venetian Masks dates back to the 13th century and has recently revealed a revival of the tradition.

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Venetian Masks on eBay

The medieval court life of Venice strongly embraced a series of processions and festivals. Masquerade balls were one of these celebrations that were originally intended for the upper classes. Over time, these masquerade balls entered the public realm and allowed members of the lower class to disguise themselves as well. The nobility also enjoyed the aspect of hiding their identities. This allowed them to participate in promiscuity, decadence and all sorts of activities that were against the rules. In turn, the lower classes were able to disguise themselves and be free from the social stigmas of the time.

Soon, this sort of behavior became unacceptable for the Catholic Church. The Church attempted to ban the processions and festivals on numerous accounts by implementing regulations and passing strict laws against certain behavior. However, the wealthy class of Venice had enough influential power to persuade the Church in accepting the celebrations. As a result, the days between Christmas and Ash Wednesday, or Shrove Tuesday, were dedicated to the festivals and the entire city of Venice was covered with people disguised in masks.

Venetian Masks on eBay


The festival was also known as the Venetian Carnival and it had a great impact on the lives of people. A celebration of hedonism was at its best during this time and people acted with liberty as much as possible. Sooner or later, people began to wear masks on days outside of the months that were prescribed by the Church. The aristocracy took advantage of the inability to distinguish one person from the other. They continued to go against the moral and political standards of the time and participated in unlawful affairs. Being anonymous had its benefits and the celebrations and entertainment were difficult to oppose by the majority of people.

The masquerades were the most popular between the 15th and 16th century. Young venetians would gather and wear specific outfits and cover their faces with masks in order to perform in shows and entertain viewers during the Carnival of Venice. These performances were based on religious, political and marital stories. They were entertaining for the nobility and allowed a sense of relief from the oppressive powers of the Church for the general public.

The splendor and fun came to an end during the 18th century when the Venetian Republic began to decline. The tradition of masquerading and wearing masks dwindled as a result. Both the Austrian government and the fascist government of the early 20th century banned the Carnival. The modern era in the late 20th century witnessed a restoration of the excitement and whimsical nature of Venetian masks and masquerades. Now, tourists and Venetians alike can participate in Carnival and become part of the lively culture that surrounds the historic and traditional symbolism of the Venetian Mask.

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