Usually seen as a heavily decorated half mask worn by women, it takes its origins from the Commedia dell’arte and is considered the female version of the Bauta. The masks used back during the Carnival of Venice came in all types, many richly decorated with feathers and bright colors. The word bauta refers not just to a mask, but to the entire outfit, worn indifferently by men … Another thirteenth-century law prohibited masked people from gambling. Ancient Umbria is the territory once inhabited by the Umbri, the people who had settled east of the Tiber river in pre-Roman times. These masks can be broadly classified in to two types - Commedia dell'arte masks and the Carnival masks. In this article, I will give a brief background of the history of venetian masquerade masks, and a quick overview of the different types of venetian masks … Pantalone is one of the most ancient Venetian masks. Originally Venetian masks were made of leather, porcelain or glass and had a practical or symbolic function. Today they are often made of hand-painted gesso or papier-mâché and decorated with feathers and gems. The most severe one, in 1630–31, recorded casualties of 46,000 people out of a population of 140,000. Several theories exist as to why plague doctors wore this bird-like costume. The original masks were rather simple in design, decoration, and often had a symbolic and practical function. She's a respected expert on making dream Italy vacations a reality for clients. One of the more popular traditional masks of the Venetian carnival, the Bauta features a white mask made of fine white cloth. This design was inspired by 16th century Venetian doctors who believed that adopting this look protected them from disease and plague that was prevalent during this time. Yes! Chowhound Italy Board: Where the Serious Foodies Hangout, The Tipping Point to Booking An Italy Tour. Those are just but a few masks, there are more such as Brighella, La Raffiana, Scaramuccia, and Arlecchino. They are made with the application of gesso, a white paint mixture, and gold leaf and are all hand-painted using natural feathers and gems to decorate. The character of Colombina usually wears ragged clothes to signify her status as a servant, but women nowadays who wear the mask usually pair it with elaborate costumes that represent their region. A common Venetian mask is the Gnaga, part of a costume worn by men disguised as women. Bauta Masks – The one that covers the whole face, with a stubborn chin line, no mouth, and lots of gilding was Bauta. Genoa, like Turin, is one of these fascinating Italian cities that remain off the tourist radar. The church is famous for its immense ceiling painting, depicting The Martyrdom and Apotheosis of St Pantalon. A handful of armed protesters affiliated with right-wing militias gathered outside the Michigan statehouse in Lansing on Sunday, according to reports. About 20 protesters, including … The distinctive mask was generally white with two round eyes-holes covered with glass. Nowadays, Venetian masks are a much more elaborate affair. Please send me my FREE Insider Italy Vacation Checklist with the insider travel secrets I'll need for a perfect Italy vacation. 3 Types of Masks Historically one of the most commonly worn masks during Carnival was the bauta mask, a mask that only covers half the face and was sometimes accompanied by a tri-cornered hat … A very severe punishment was inflicted on any person violating these rules. Concerning different types of all Venetian masks, it is important to highlight two main groups: commedia dell’arte masks and carnival ones. Its name is taken from the Italian phonetic of a cat’s meowing (“gnau”). Some historians believe that the impact of the Italian plague on life and commerce was such that it ultimately resulted in the downfall of the Republic of Venice. ), Facts. Twice daily during the Carnival of Venice a Best Masked Costume Contest takes place on Piazza San Marco. Also available in Red, Blue and Black … Carnival started as a time for celebration where all social classes would mingle, and the fact of wearing a mask offered a unique possibility to remain anonymous, enjoying the advantages that such condition brought with it. Unfortunately, because of its restrictive design, its wearer cannot eat or drink anything without taking it off. Call or email us and a Travel Expert will get back to you within 24 hours. A law of 1268 forbade masked people from playing certain games. Masks were an integral part of the Venetian carnival. It is ideally worn by people who want to engage in light banter while showing off their intelligence. 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