Venetian masks masquerading as Jewellery Mannequins
Venice has a long tradition of mask wearing, dating back to the Middle Ages and over the centuries which followed, people wore masks at many different times of the year. Some people wore them to disguise themselves either for illegal purposes or for romantic or other encounters. Many people would wear masks when they went gambling so that people to whom they owed money would not recognise them; this led to the introduction of a law in the early 18th century banning the wearing of masks in casinos.
However, today most people associate the wearing of elaborate masks with the Venice Carnival, which usually starts two weeks before Ash Wednesday (the start of Lent) and finishes on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Because some people abused the wearing of masks for purposes of their own, at various times in Venice’s history strict rules were laid down as to when masks could and could not be worn, for example one was not allowed to wear masks on religious occasions or in a religious establishment. However, in the 18th century women were forbidden to go to the theatre without a mask to protect their reputation!
For many years the wearing of masks fell into disuse, and more especially as Carnival was banned in the 1930s by Italy’s fascist government, until late in the 20th century, since when it has become an important part of the Venice Carnival celebrations. There are many different types of Venetian masks, some being quite simple and others very elaborate.
In the early theatre, the actors wore masks to represent the different set characters in the play and many of the masks worn today represent characters from the traditional Commedia dell’Arte, but others are purely decorative. If you wander around Venice you will not go far before you notice what a large number of shops there are which sell Venetian masks and you may even see some being made. Some shops also display the elaborate costumes which many revellers wear during Carnival with the masks. There are some masks which are simply amazing creations and beautiful works of art. Some of these decorative masks cover the whole face while others cover only the eyes and nose and are usually tied behind the head with ribbons.
During the heyday of mask making those who made them held privileged positions in society and were able to have their own guild with their own laws.
The Little Things In Life will shortly be stocking a wide variety of exciting new jewellery mannequins and jewellery stands with the Venetian mask flavour. You will find full face mask stands as well as the half mask and all are useful for storing your rings, necklaces and bracelets or indeed many trinkets. In addition to their utility function, they will decorate any room beautifully.
The new Leonardo range is based on the Venetian mask theme. It is an attractive and decorative range which is very colourful and glamorous and certainly brings the true spirit of the Venetian mask to your home.
Return to Articles homepage