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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Tags: Leather·Mask·Masks·Masquerade·Masquerade Masks·Masquerade Party Masks·Venetian·Venetian Masks
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.
