Venetian Masks as Souvenirs from Venice Italy
I was looking at centuries old traditional piece of art, piece of Venice. So many of them all in rich colors, designs and forms. They dazzled me beyond words. Completely in awe handling them I kept trying to look through them.
I am referring to the Venetian masks found in the shops of Venice. They reminded me of numerous Bollywood films where the heroes, heroines and villains used these Venetian masks in parties and song sequences.
Check out this cool one day Venice itinerary – What to See in Venice in a Day, Budget Trip
Venetian Masks from Venice
History of Venetian Masks
History of these Venetian masks is equally colorful. Origin of these Venetian Masks dates back to Carnival of Venice, an annual festival held in Venice, Italy.
The earliest recorded use of these masks was in 1268 during the annual celebrations of victory of the rulers then. But soon these masks were donned by prominent social figures and peasants to disguise themselves to perform unscrupulous acts, gambling.
A Medico della Peste mask.
One document even describes the the practice of masked men throwing scented eggs at ladies and its prohibition by the council (Venetian Laws, 1268 May).
This art slipped into a brief oblivion from 1797 when Venice became a part of Austria. And thanks to the entrepreneurship in some undergraduate art students in 1979, the tradition of making Venetian masks was revived.
Venice always was a popular tourist destination, and these masks are sought after souvenirs by most tourists. The forgotten art flourished once again.
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Venetian Masks Souvenirs Venice Italy
Types of Venetian Masks
The friendly salesman with his rough knowledge of English showed me the various types of these masks and that was a surprise for me.
- Bauta Masks – The one that covers the whole face, with a stubborn chin line, no mouth, and lots of gilding was Bauta.
- Columbine Masks – The half mask highly decorated with gold, silver, crystals and feathers, held up to the face by a baton or tied with ribbon as with most other Venetian masks was Columbine.
- Medico Della Peste Masks – The Medico Della Peste with its long beak is one of the most bizarre and recognizable of the Venetian masks.
- Moretta Masks – Moretta, popular in Venice with feminine features such as the female head. The mask is held in place by the wearer biting on a button or bit and was finished off with a veil.
- Larva Masks – The white mask is the Larva, also called the Volto mask.
Whew! And I thought they were all the same!
Different types of Venetian masks.
Venetian Masks as Souvenirs from Venice
One of the best souvenirs that you can carry back home from Venice is the Venetian Mask. They make ideal gifts for loved ones back home. They come in all forms from key chains to huge wall Venetian Masks. And the cost of Venetian masks range from as low as 2 euros to 2000 euros!
I came across several shops selling Venetian masks in the row shops lining the Rialto Bridge in Venice.
Gifts from Venice – Venetian Masks
What are Venetian Masks made of?
Traditional Venetian Masks are made with either Porcelain or Paper Mache, making them either fragile or heavy.
Although in Venice, the locals wear them often, sometimes on a daily basis, most tourists bring them back home as souvenirs. These are commonly used for decoration in homes.
Most of the masks I saw were paper mache ones, very light to hold, some slightly heavier, some with long colorful feathers. There seemed to be no end to the creativity in these pieces, no repetition in looks.
Venetian Wall Masks
How to make Venetian Masks
There are several mask making workshops in Venice which teach students to make masks the most traditional way.
With just the use of hands and few simple materials it is possible to make the masks. They use no complicated machinery to make these traditional Venetian masks. Venetian Mask making is a wonderful rainy day indoor activity for little kids.
I’m going to Venice for the first time in May and I can’t wait! I find the masks a bit creepy though – especially as they were used for hiding people’s identity while doing bad things! They are beautiful though, I think I’ll just stick with a photo instead of bringing one home 🙂
I love the Venetian masks of Venice! They’re all so beautiful and unique, but honestly I never knew anything about the history behind them. Sadly I did not buy one in either of my trips to Venice. But now knowing so much more about them I will definitely be getting a Moretta mask next time!
Such amazing detail on each and every mask! Interesting to know there are different types, just like you I thought they were all the same ? I would definitely take them as a souvenir for my loved ones back home ???
I remember my mother bringing me back a Venetian mask from her trip to Venice. It was a Colombine half mask held up with a baton. I love the intricacy of the designs and the bling of course 🙂
I would definitely buy one as a souvenir and post it in my wall alongside other art. Great post!
I been to Venice before and seen lots of pretty masks there but I always wondered how do tourists who buy them take them home? Wouldnt they get damage in the luggage. It would be a shame to ruin them. Also did you take one home? 🙂
Yes but sadly my friends took them away saying thanks for the wonderful gift from Venice 🙂
They are just fantastic! I would love to take a workshop course in Venice on how to make one and take it home for my family. Columbine Masks is my favorite as I feel like I would want to wear it for Halloween or a ball!
I’ve always been fascinated by the colourful array of masks in Venice. I didn’t know there were so many different types of masks though. The white mask Larva or Volto masks sound intriguing.
I’ve always wanted to visit Venice and especially go to the famous Carnival of Venice, but haven’t made it there yet. I knew that the Venitian masks date back to the 13th century, but didn’t know that at a certain time masked men threw scented eggs at ladies! That’s kinda cruel… Anyway, how many Venetian masks did you end up buying as souvenirs? As there are so many types of masks and so many choices and designs and colours, I must admit that if I were there I wouldn’t have known which one to buy neither! The fact that most of them are made of porcelains, makes it a bit complicated to carry them in the luggage. So I guess I wouldn’t buy more than one in the end!
They are long gone, taken away by friends saying thanks for the wonderful gifts from Venice.
Interesting to learn more about the stories behind these masks and the different types. I’ve seen them in the shops in Venice too but never bought one
Those are all beautiful mask. They remind me of the Mardi Gras mask.
Amazing Masks.
Loved all pics.
They look magnificent ! The first picture is just gorgeous !
I love masks in general and Venetian masks in particular.
I saw one workshop there where they were handmade and another "factory" where the plaster ones were pressed out of moulds.
those are really beautiful masks… are they hand crafted?
Jo's Precious Thoughts
Some of the masks look scary.
scary, but I liked them 🙂
Definitely eye-catching masks . Fun to wear too and I wouldn't mind hiding behind one!
Such a lovely collection, backed by sound research.
Amazing and wonderful collection of masks. I liked all of them. Very nice and interesting so see such beautiful masks.
The masks are vibrant and eye-catching. Excellent shots! I envy you
Neena
It's delightful catching up on your blog Indrani, and I can see what a lovely time you had.
Come over, and celebrate a birthday with me, won't you? 😉
Beautiful masks and they are so colorful.
Terrific!
Beautiful! The intricate detail and vivid colors are fascinating. Thanks for sharing this journey with us, through your camera lens.
It's simply amazing.
Lovely masks. I liked the second picture more 🙂
The masks are lovely. Interesting post.
Very interesting! Lovely masks and captures.
Love the masks and the history lesson as well!! Amazing!
Hugs
SueAnn
Who knew? Boy, you're having a wonderful Italian adventure. Great photos.
Hi Indrani
le nostre maschere veneziane sono veramente meravigliose 🙂
Grazie della visita 🙂
Thanks for the interesting lesson on these beautiful masks. I've often wondered about the meaning of the masks. I will need to read the post again and perhaps more than once. 🙂
Astounding masks – and some are even pretty scary.
very intersting shop windows out there with masks..in fact I bought one too ..i wanted to be there during the carnival
they are just too beautiful! what work! and had no idea there were so many kinds!
Theses are beautiful works of art. I really like the first mask, in particular.
They do make great souvenirs, I bought one when we visited Venice.
Those are gorgeous masks especially the first one. Very creative indeed. Venice is such a fascinating place to just get lost!
Very interesting history and the revival of the masks came in '79…so recent, actually. They are quite amazing and I really like your captures.
Yhe masks are beautiful, real artworks.
aloha,
i'm enjoying what you are posting today from your world, love exploring venice and going into these beautiful mask shops, they are amazing how much workmanship is involved with these.
thanks for sharing this and have a great week!
There sure are tons of masks on that wall. I guess adults as well as kids enjoy pretending they are someone else once in a while.
I love masks too. I could get lost there enjoying all the craftsmanship each mask has. Thanks for sharing this post.
A fascinating collection! I'm not sure I'd like having to hold my mask on with my teeth for the duration of a masquerade party, but to each his own. These are beautiful, it's good that the art was revived!
I love masks too. I could get lost there enjoying all the craftsmanship each mask has. Thanks for sharing this post.
I love masks like these!
Great to hear the story of them too.
Very interesting
the history behind the masks 😉
When I was in Venice
we bought also masks
(I chose a Cat mask and my youngest daughter a dark red one with a long golden nose hehe… looks very funny !!)
Nice shots Indrani 🙂
What a terrific collection of masks! I love them, too! And thanks as always for the history — it makes them all the more interesting and beautiful! Have a wonderful week, Indrani!
Sylvia
I love masks and this is such a wonderful collection of beautiful and interesting ones. I enjoyed the history of them too.