mask
...ver, masks also served an important social purpose, as they could keep every citizen on an equal playing field. Meaning, that when masked, a servant could easily be mistaken for a nobleman, and vice versa. The equality of the people was sustained through the use of masks, as with no faces, everyone had voices. Additionally, due to Italy’s vast wealth, their culture flourished, creating a unique way of life, also enabling them to partake in lavish activities. One such event was the Carneval, where for a ten day period, before lent each winter, tourists would fill the city. During the carneval, tourists would watch pageants, commedia dell’Arte, concerts, balls, and masked self-display. There have been several varieties in designs of masks, ranging from the simplicity of a crude “false faces” held by a handle, to the more complex consisting of complete head coverings with inventive movable parts and hidden faces. Usually made of wood, metals, ivory, horn, stone, or clay, the masks are adorned with feathers, leather, furs, paper, cloth, sheet music, and corn husks. The final surface treatments of masks have varied from rugged basic treatment to elaborate and highly structured carvings to polished woods and mosaics. The inevitable consequence of the concealment of identity led to people taking advantage of the situation, allowing society to grow more and more decadent. Gambling became an issue, as it took place all day long and night in the streets, houses, and even in convents. Sexual promiscuity became common and acceptable. Women’s clothing became less and less conservative, as their attire became more revealing. Despite homosexuality being publicly condemned, the people of society embraced it. While the Venetian society was drowning in chaos, Rome turned a blind eye, as long as they continued to make generous donations. Because people could hide their true identities, they felt as if they could do things they were incapable of committing when dressed as themselves. This time period has been proven very signif...