Argyle Socks
Plague Doctor Mask
Posted by Kyle (Manhattan KS, United States) on 7 August 2008 in Lifestyle & Culture and Portfolio.
* The below is shamelessly lifted from : <http://www.simplymasquerade.co.uk/maskmaking.html> *
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. The wearing of masks and costumes was well established by 1436, when the mascherari were officially recognized with their own guild. 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. Masks along with the Carnevale virtually disappeared when Napoleon's army brought an end to the Venetian Republic in 1797. 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.
Venice Carnival masks fall into several categories: Commedia dell'Arte masks are based on traditional characters like Harlequin and Pierrot. 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. (According to tradition, the beak was intended to protect the wearer from being infected by the plague.)
* This mask is one of the plague doctor kind - my favorite, very macabre. *
All comments are appreciated. I also welcome constructive criticism and advice. I learn something new every day!
