Be the Show Stopper with a Venetian Mask

In ancient times, Venetian masks were used to protect the wearer’s identity in the city of Venice. Nowadays Venetian masks are mainly used at parties and during carnivals around the world. People enjoy real fun times wearing all types of crazy masks.

Normally, the base of a mask is made out of clay. Masks can also be made from papier-mâché, layered over with plaster to give a firm feel. They are designed using vibrant coloured sequins and feathers and a variety of other decorations.

Types of Venetian Masks

You’ll find a wide array of Venetian Masks types. The Bauta is a traditional mask which is quite grotesque looking. It includes a long, prominent nose, a jutting out chin and no mouth. The wearer can use the beak like chin to speak, eat and drink. This mask is normally worn with a dark red or black cape and a tri-cornered hat.

The Columbina, essentially a mask for women, is a half-mask covering the wearer's upper cheeks, nose and eyes. This creation is often decorated with feathers, crystals, gold and silver. It can be tied with ribbons like most other Venetian masks or held in front of the face by a baton.

Harlequin masks normally have large, hooked noses and have patterns of white and black checkered diamonds on them including bright painted lips.

The Medico della peste mask or Plague Doctor mask has a long beak and is one of the most unusual and easily recognizable Venetian masks. Interestingly, it was not created as a carnival mask, but as a method of preventing disease from spreading. The mask is normally white with a hollow beak and eyeholes covered with round crystal discs which create a bespectacled appearance. Those who wear this mask sometimes also wear the associated clothing of a doctor.

The Jolly Venetian Mask depicts a joker and covers either the full face or half of it. The mask includes curly hair and a bell much like the quintessential circus clown. It has a slightly more aesthetic design than a clown’s face which includes colourful materials that normally adorn carnival masks.

The Cat Venetian Mask, also known as the gatto mask, looks much like the face of a cat with small ears at the top. This mask covers the top half of the face, leaving the mouth and tip of the nose exposed. This mask can introduce a fun element to a party and is quite effective in hiding the identity of the wearer.

Venetian Masquerade Masks

There are various types of Venetian masquerade masks that you can go in for if you want to be the centre of attraction at a masquerade ball or party. Half masks adorned with bejewelled butterflies, crystals and graceful feathers in numerous shades are a hit with the ladies. Other petite masks specially designed to show a greater area of the face offer additional options.

If you’re looking for majestic flair, you could go in for Baroque eye masks. These normally consist of soft form bases and can be made resplendent with gold and silver filigree. Some exclusive designs make use of fine beads, metalwork, embroidery and sequins for a truly sparkling finish.

Using such masks, you’re sure to make a great impression whether it’s a Venetian masquerade ball, a ladies night, a fancy dress party or any other event. The red carpet welcomes you……