![]() ![]() ![]() Whilst some of our range is still paper mache the work intensive methodology used means paper mache can be expensive (but we feel it is still worth it). Traditionally paper mache is used because it is light, comfortable and does not become humid on the person who wears it. Well, Masquerade masks have been made in Venice, Italy for over 1000 years and there are many mediums that are currently being used to create the masks. We quite often get asked the question "How did they make Venetian masks"? So we thought we would help by answering it here. (According to tradition, the beak was intended to protect the wearer from being infected by the plague). Fantasy masks are figments of the maskmaker's imagination, although they may be inspired by historical designs & the traditional Venetian masks such as the colombina, volto full face mask and its variant, the "plague doctor's" mask with its phallic beak. Venice Carnival masks fall into several categories: Commedia dell'Arte masks are based on traditional characters like Harlequin and Pierrot. However, they have staged a spectacular comeback since a group of former Academy of Fine Arts students opened Venice's first modern mask shop in 1978. Masks along with the Carnevale virtually disappeared when Napoleon's army brought an end to the Venetian Republic in 1797. The practice of wearing masks for disguise reached its peak around 18th Century, when Venetians of different social classes used Carnival as an excuse to mingle without fear of recognition or retribution. The wearing of masks and costumes was well established by 1436, when the mascherari were officially recognized with their own guild. Venice's Carnival began in the 11th Century - the original masks were rather simple in design and decoration & often had a symbolic and practical function. Genuine hand-made Venetian masks made by the mask-makers or mascherari are steeped in history & can be made in leather or with the original papier-mâché* technique. ![]()
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