Bauta (mask)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bauta is the name of a type of mask historically linked to Venice. It is a well known type of mask amongst several other types that were used in Venice since the Middle Ages. According to http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-venetian-masks.htm, "the Bauta mask covers the whole face, with a stubborn chin line, no mouth, and lots of gilding". However one may find masks sold as Bautas that cover only the upper part of the face from the forehead to the nose and upper cheeks, thereby concealing identity but enabling the wearer to talk and eat or drink easily. The Bauta is famous through the Carnival of Venice, as it is the main type of mask worn during this carnival. It was used also on many other occasions as a device for hiding the wearers identity and social status. It would permit the wearer to act more freely in cases where he or she wanted to interact with other members of the society outside the bounds of identity and everyday convention. It was thus useful for a variety of purposes, some of them illicit or criminal, others just personal, such as romantic encounters.

The etymology of Bauta is unclear: It may refer to the German verb "behüten", that is to protect (the wearer), or to the Italian "bau", which denotes a kind of monster that appears in children's tales. ("Se non stai bravo viene il babau e ti porta via …)" (if you do not behave, the babau will come and take you away ….).

[edit] References

• "What are Venetian Masks?", wiseGEEK