Top Venetian Masks to Wear at a Masquerade Ball

Venetian masks are a very long tradition in the history of the Veneto Region’s capital and are traditionally worn for the duration of the Venice Carnival. However, one could see people wearing those masks on many other occasions. A good example of these masks is for masquerading one’s identity or sometimes keeping one’s social status secret.

Origins of Venetian Masks

Because in the past centuries, the elite social class was bound to certain obligations, Venetian masks helped those wearing them to behave in a freer manner as their identity was disguised. These masks were (and still are nowadays) made from paper mache and then decorated with fur, glitter, fabric gems and ribbons.

The Different Types of Venetian Masks

There are different types of Venetian masks that can be characterized from their design and their bright colors. These masks can be full–face masks or half-face masks. Venetian masks can be worn on different occasions such as Halloween, masquerade balls (also known as Venetian masquerade balls) and even on costume parties.

The different types of Venetian masks are:

The Bauta

Known as “full mask”; it’s a mask that covers the whole face. Both men and women can wear the Bauta mask as it gives a mysterious look and can be worn at a Venetian masquerade ball.

Venetian Masks Blank White Bauta Grezzo Venetian Masquerade

Blue Silver Music Bauta Pergamena Venetian Masquerade Mask

Bronze Ceramic Petite Bauta Venetian Mask

Colombina

Also known as Columbine, it is a half faced mask. The colombina mask is worn by women as looking at its history, we learn that it has been popularized by an actress who performed at the Commedia dell’Arte; she was known for her beautiful face but did not wish to cover it fully.

NOVICA Leather masks, 'Colombina' (set of 7)

Black White Galaxy Fade Colombina Venetian Masquerade Mask

White Paper Mache Colombina Barocco Grifone Venetian Masquerade Mask

Medico Della Peste (The Plague Doctor)

Is known to be the most recognizable type of Venetian mask and it is like a long beak.

Fancy Long Nosed Venetian Masquerade Style Mask

Blank "Nasone Grezzo" Venetian Mask to be Decorated

Venetian Mask Mardi Gras Drama Mens Black and Silver Halloween Masquerade

Moretta

Is known to bring out the feminine beauty popular in Venice and has not been worn since 1760. The moretta mask is rounded, although very small it is conceived to cover the face and comes with only two holes for the eyes. Its general color is black.

Volto (Larva)

Typically Venetian and mainly white light and comfortable to wear ideal for socializing, and is similar to the bauta. Both men and women can wear the Volto (larva).

Blank White Volto Grezzo Venetian Mask to be Decorated

Volto Arcobaleno Venetian Masquerade Ball Mask

Mustache Soul Patch Volto Venetian Masquerade Party Mask

Dama

Is a very elegant and expensive and most typical of the Venetian Masquerade Ball. The mask covers the whole face. The part that covers the hair features a painted Venetian Carnival scene. Such an accessory can cost up to $500!

Overlay Picture of Venetian Scene
on Venetian Carnival Mask
(Dama mask)

Jester

Can be recognized by the name of the mask coming from the word jolly. It is a typical six floppy pointed type mask and looking at brings out laughter.

Masquerade Black Jester Wearable Mask for Men

Royal Court Jester Venetian, Masquerade, Mardi Gras Mask Style

Black & Golden Venetian Styled Jester Mask with Collar

When choosing masks for any costume and carnival parties Venetian masks are known to be the best type of masks. Amongst the Venetian masks, the Larva and Colombina are the two known to be the best. In choosing the best amongst Venetian masks firstly depends upon what type of occasion it has to be worn in, like for Venetian Masquerade Ball Colombina, Morreta and Dama worn my women; men may also wear Bauta and Colombina.