THE CARNIVAL MASK
Well folks, the Carnival of Venice is almost here. From February 9th to the 20th one of the most famous celebrations will take place. Please, take a look at my blog entry of January 23rd for general information. Right now, I want to write about one crucial object of this feast: the mask.
The most famous and used mask of the Carnival of Venice is called the bauta. This is the one the you will see more than any other. This mask has been used since the Middle Ages. It usually covers the entire face, with a long and pronounced chin and no mouth. There is another version that only covers the upper part of the face, which disguises the identity of the person at the same time allowing him or her to eat or drink.
Historically this mask was also used on other occasions outside of the Carnival. This would allow its wearers to hide themselves when they wanted no one to know that they were indulging in things that weren't legal, or well seen. It allowed people of high social status to take actions that they wouldn't otherwise have normally taken.
Therefore, hiding your identity for a few days can actually turn out to be very interesting.
Until tomorrow...
Grace De Fanti
