The masks I chose to research into were the Venetian Masquerade masks. In specific the ones that only cover the eyes, either attached with a string or on a wooden stick.
The masks are originally from the region of Venetia in Italy.
These masks originate for the use of entertainment in the Masquerade shows and depicting the personality of the characters. The most original characters were
characters such as ‘El Captiano’, ‘El Dottore’ and ‘Pantalone’ who represented arrogance, stupidity, and greed. - from Masque Boutique
Then they became quite popular for use of disguises, so that social classes could mingle and people could fall in love because of personality not looks and social class. Then the making of these masks became and actual recognized profession.
Then there was the unfortunate happening of crimes being started by people wearing these masks and the usage was limited to special event, which is where the masquerade or carnival comes from.
The range of masquerade masks increased to include the well known ‘Bauta’ (which was worn by both women and men), the ‘Arlecchino’(the joker) and the ‘Moretta’ (a full faced masquerade mask favoured by women and usually black in colour). Of course, masks were not only used for disguises but as practical solutions to the influx of diseases. The famous ‘Medico della Peste’ (Doctor of the Plague Mask) was designed with a long beak like nose which would house aromatic grasses or herbs, thought to ward off disease or infections. - from Masque Boutique
As the quote from above states, there are indeed many types of masquerade masks.
This is the "bauta" which was worn by both men and woman it gave full anonimosity to the wearer, well except for the eyes.
The
arlecchino masks were half face masks with a large hat of feathers or squared fabric joker hats.
The masks above here are examples of different masquerade masks, some are simple masks with 3D shapes making it look like a bust, and others are simple color with glitter put in patters. Whilst others are covered in feathers.
The mask here is simple with a cute decoration. It is simple and classy, and the few beads are quite pretty.
Materials
The materials used for the masks nowadays are light plastic skeletons, with fabric or paint covering it up, making the base, then frilly fabric borders, beads, glitter and feathers are used to decorate. Most of them are put on a decorated stick so that the wearer has to hold the masks, other have decorated head bands.
