The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Masks & Costumes for Masquerade Balls

Masquerade balls are filled with all things whimsical and mysterious - from the decor to the lighting, and of course to the costumes and masks that guests happily don. The whole concept of a masquerade is to bring to life a persona you wish to live out, even if it is only for a night. A huge part of this is in the costumes that you wear and the masks that you choose.

Below, we talk about the different types of Masquerade masks and what outfits best complete each look!

What Are the Different Types of Masks for Masquerades?

When it came to masquerade parties, the lines of social status and standards were often blurred. It was during these balls that the commoners may share leisure time with those of higher social class, so long as their identities remained hidden throughout the night.

Because of this, many different types of masquerade masks emerged over the years to cater to varying preferences and perhaps even financial capabilities.

How Are Venetian Masks Unique?

Venetian masks have always been considered one of the most historically significant types of masks. A lot of people believe it all started with the Venetian Carnival when it actually dates back even further to ancient Greece.

When Romans overpowered Southern Europe, they retained the Grecian love of theatre and held the activity in high regard, which usually involved the characters’ use of masks. Eventually, the Guild of Decorators re-organized the mask-making industry in Venice, building a set of guidelines that all mask makers must adhere to in order to keep discipline within the arts and crafts. Thus, mask-making turned into an official Venetian profession.

For decades until the year 1600, only eleven craftspeople were registered mask-makers. They were also joined by another group of craftsmen who were in charge of creating “new faces”. 

What Types of Materials Are Used in Venetian Masks?

These masks stood out from all the rest due to the complexity of their design, bold colors, and quality handmade base. They were formed using paper mache, making each piece as light and comfortable as possible. Once dried, they would then be decorated with fur, fabric, gems, and even feathers. They are often very colorful with accents of gold or silver.

Understandably, modern Venetian masks now have a different process in order to hasten fabrication and also make it more affordable for the general public to acquire.

Understanding the Venetian Mask Styles

In choosing a Venetian masquerade mask, the wearer would often consider three main factors: the outfit, the occasion, and the character they wanted to portray. Each of these held significant roles in deciding on a mask style, which may generally be classified into either a Commedia dell’Arte Mask or a Carnival Mask.

A Commedia dell’Arte Mask is an exaggerated piece of art inspired by improvisational theatre depicting one of four comedic characters: Zanni, Vecchi, Innamorati, or Capitani.

Venetian Carnival Masks, on the other hand, were more prestigious and were aimed to express the Venetian’s spirit towards celebration. The seven main types of Venetian Carnival Masks are the Bauta, Dame, Gatto, Jester, Moretta, Volta, and Dottore Peste.

We dive deeper into each of their differences below.

How to Choose the Perfect Masquerade Mask?

Selecting a Mask Style That Suits Your Face

Masks come in different shapes and sizes. Selecting one that compliments your natural features can help you invest in a more sustainable piece that you can wear for many parties to come.

Considering Comfort and Wearability

Apart from the shape and size of your mask, you must also consider how comfortable it is to wear. After all, a full night with an uncomfortable accessory can turn any party sour. Moreover, a mask that has a high chance of wearability by being highly compatible with multiple costumes and occasions is key.

Finding a Mask That Complements Your Costume

Depending on the occasion, your costume should perfectly express the character you want to portray and this includes having the right mask to top it all off.

Popular Venetian Masks Explained

The Volto Mask

The Volto is a full-face mask and was regarded as the mask for the general public. It was often worn by common folk, is very comfortable, and is usually paired with a three-cornered hat plus a cloak.

The Arlecchino Mask

Arlecchino was a widely popular comedic character under the Zanni category. Zanni means a comic servant, which is why the Arlecchino mask was initially paired with an outfit made from patches and rags. However, this eventually evolved into a two-piece ensemble patterned with blue, green, and red diamond shapes.

The Bauta Mask

The Bauta mask was the main kind of mask you would find at the Venetian Carnival. It has such a versatile design that it was also worn for political meetings, forbidden romantic encounters, criminal acts, and other instances to hide one’s identity or social status. It comes with a closed mouth area and is often paired with a black tricorn, zendale, and a cape.

The Columbina Mask

Columbina is another servant character and is Arlecchino’s lover. It is only a half-mask held by either a stick or ribbon, exposing the wearer’s mouth and lower cheeks. Similar to other servant characters, she wore raggedy clothes but paired it with heavy makeup around her eyes and a tambourine.

The Medico della Peste

This mask was due to the fact that Venice was often struck by the Plague. When collecting statistics from patients, doctors wore a waxed overcoat and this mask with glass eyes paired with a long beak stuffed with herbs and spices. They would also use a cane to examine, preventing direct contact.

The Pantalone

The Pantalone is one of the most important Commedia dell’Arte masks as his character represented greed, money, lust, and misery in theater. This half-mask has a long nose and is traditionally paired with a large codpiece, tight red vest, red stockings, a black cassock, slippers, and a brimless hat.

The Gatto

Gatto means “Cat” in Italian and it is the most popular animal mask in Venetian Carnival history. The inspiration behind this design was the fact that cats became heavily scarce during the Republic.

The Zanni

The Zanni symbolized servants in the world of comedic theatre. A zany character would either be silly and simple-minded or sly and cunning. No matter the personality, the Zanni remains poor and always hungry. This mask type is often paired with loose clothes.

What Is the Role of Masks in Modern Celebrations?

While the Venetian Carnival remains to be a popular attraction to this day, masks have also made their way to more modern celebrations.

Masks at Mardi Gras

Similar to the Venetian Carnival, Mardi Gras allowed people of all social classes to put a pause on societal norms by hiding one’s identity. To this day, it is the largest masked party in all of North America, most specifically in New Orleans.

Masks at Dia De Los Muertos

Dia De Los Muertos is a Mexican holiday to celebrate the dead. Not only does it involve elaborate costumes and decors, but those who practiced the tradition also wore skull-inspired masks to symbolize mortality.

Masquerade Balls, Halloween, and Costume Parties

Other modern celebrations that involve the use of masks include majestic masquerade balls, thrilling Halloween parties, and other costume-themed events.

You’re All Set!

With multiple types of masquerade masks for women and men available, it is now easier than ever to find one that best suits the occasion and character you want to portray.