Look at these masks!

They are so phenomenal.  They capture your attention immediately.  They are so intriguing.

They are both art and masks at the same time.

They combine the mystery of masks with the beauty of the art that adorns them.

Masks as an art form goes back centuries.  More recently the Carnival of Venice (and others like Rio de Janeiro) have revived the ancient art form of masks.  The Venice Carnival begins 10 days before Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, and concludes on Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday.

A mask’s original purpose was to conceal one’s identity and social status.

This allowed individuals wearing masks to act freely, in ways that they might not have been permitted to or would have brought disdain on them.  this sometimes led to doing illegal or illicit activities without any fear of the consequences.  Or sometimes masks provided the cover needed to pursue romantic encounters that they otherwise would never have dared to do.  It was a way to eliminate social classes and social standing.

Bottom line, pretty interesting.  I know one of the reasons that I have always loved New York City so much is that I knew that I could walk down the street knowing that nobody knew me.  I was totally anonymous.  I did not have to wear a mask for this, but I had the same feeling as if I has worn one.  That feeling is a good one every once in a while.  Don’t we all have moments when we would like to be anonymous – i.e., have a mask on?

Secondly, don’t we all also have moments when we would love to do something that we shouldn’t do?  Maybe not something really bad, but something that is right on the edge of being illegal or non conforming.

Venice is the focal point in the world for masks.  However, Kelsey and I learned something on our trip to Albania.  Many of the masks marketed and sold in Venice are made in Albania.  Albania was part of the Venetian Republic for almost 100 years, so there is a significant Italian influence in Albania even today.

We were so intrigued by this that we went to a location in Shkodra Albania where they make masks.

The process is fascinating and protracted.  The shells are all made with paper mache – strong, durable, bendable and lightweight.  Then the art work begins.  The mask goes from one artist’s table to another artist’s table.  One mask goes through 15 different stages and may stop at 6 or more different tables for another artist to add some color or texture or dimension to the mask being created.  Each mask is one of a kind.  There is no mass production of these masks.

What was striking to me was seeing the unbelievable level of detail that the individual artists were focused on in their work.  in addition to the ornate design, there is the painting of the mask in vivid colors. Intricate decorations are added including lace, feathers, sequins, and gold leaf.  The final product is varnished to give it an antique look.

The results speak for themselves.  Take a look at some of these art masks.

Not only did Kelsey and I marvel at the masks and the art work involved with each one, but also our 4 year old travel companion, Henry, enjoyed them too.