Venetian mask

Venetian masks are a centuries-old tradition of Venice, Italy. Worn during the "Carnevale" (the Carnival of Venice, elsewhere known as Mardi Gras), they come in all different colors and they can be full-face masks or eye masks. Many designs are taken from Commedia dell'arte.

Near the end of the Republic, the wearing of masks in daily life was severely restricted. By the 18th century, it was limited only to about three months from December 26. It was gradually shortened into the week-long festivities that now comprise the "Carnevale"

In the film "Eyes Wide Shut", Venetian masks feature prominently in the secret society's rituals. The store that supplied the masks was Il Canovaccio in Venice, which has on display the original mask worn in the film by actor Tom Cruise.

One of the more distinctive masks is that of the plague doctor.

External links

* [http://www.venetianmasksshop.com/history.htm History of Venetian Carnival Masks]