What are the masks in Venice called?
The volto (Italian for face) or larva (meaning ghost in Latin) is the iconic modern Venetian mask: it is often made of stark white porcelain or thick plastic, though also frequently gilded and decorated, and is commonly worn with a tricorn and cloak.
What do Venetian carnival masks symbolize?
Venetian masks were traditionally worn to protect the identity of the wearer and were eventually worn during the Venetian Carnival. The masks are divided into two categories: Commedia dell’ Arte masks and Carnival masks.
What are the names of three traditional masks of Venice Carnival?
The main types of Venetian masks are the bauta, moretta, gnaga, medico della pesta, pantalone, arlechino, colombina (see further). Today, costumes worn at the Carnival vary to a certain degree from the original characters and often combine various elements of different origin.
What does the bauta mask represent?
A feature of the Bauta is that it conceals the identity but enables the wearer to talk and eat or drink easily. It tends to be the main type of mask worn during the Carnival. It was used also on many other occasions as a device for hiding the wearer’s identity and social status.
Which are the most important traditional masks of the Venetian Carnival?
Bauta. Considered to be the traditional Venetian mask, bauta comes from the German “behüten“, meaning to protect. It is always white and used to mostly cover the facial features. It is always worn with the black hat with three tips (tricorno).
What is a Volto mask?
The “volto” or “larva” mask was originally always a white mask, always worn with a three cornered hat and in fact, attached to the hat. The term “larva” refers to “ghosts” and these white masks under the hat must have truly seemed ghostly on a moon lit night in Venice at a time when there was only dim street lighting.
Why are Venetian masks worn?
During the Venice Carnivals in the past the streets of Venice were full of the people wearing masks which allowed them to protect their identity and remove any social differences. Besides, masks allowed a wearer hide his identity during licentious and dissolute activities.
What is a volto mask?
What is a Moretta mask?
The moretta mask, reserved exclusively for women, was a Venetian mask that was round and covered with black velvet. Also known as the ‘muta’, it perfectly concealed the features of the wearer’s face and was very common in Venice in the 18th century.
Why do Venetian masks have long noses?
The long nose would hold herbs and flowers that would filter the air and cover up the horrible smells of plague victims. It’s usually worn with a long black coat, white gloves, and a staff to complete the plague doctor uniform.