History of occurrence
The masquerade mask, which appeared many centuries ago, has successfully survived to this day. It is often used at New Year's celebrations and carnivals. There are a huge number of types of masks, but the greatest variety can be observed in Venice on a traditional masquerade. A bit of history. It is believed that a masquerade mask arose in Europe XI century. At the time of the plague, the doctors included in the anti-plague team wore masks with very large beaks. They contained various aromatic oils and herbs intended for air disinfection. Many people believed that the Angel of Death would pass by the person who is wearing the mask because he does not recognize him in the face. Since then, this attribute of the costume has increasingly become part of everyday life. Thanks to the mask, people remained unrecognized in any situation. As a result, governments of different countries banned their wearing in everyday life, but allowed to use it during the days of such a festivity as a carnival.
DIY masquerade masks
Although there are a huge number of such costume attributes on sale made from a wide variety of materials, they can be made independently. Experienced craftsmen make masks from porcelain or ceramics, and ordinary people can make them from leather or papier-mâché. Decoration also depends on the imagination of the master and his financial capabilities. Most often, gold leaf, multi-colored feathers, sequins, beads, precious stones are used. In Italy, comedy and theatrical masquerade masks by Del Arte (Colombina, Harlequin, Pulcinella, Pedrolino) and classical (Cote, Bauta, Doctor Plague, Venetian lady, Volto) are traditional. The simplest is the one that is worn only on the eyes. To make it, you will need clay, paper napkins, water, PVA glue, gypsum, fine sandpaper, brushes, bronze or other paint. A mask of the required size with holes for the eyes and nose is molded from plasticine .
On a prepared "blank" lay a napkin and moisten it with water. When the napkin takes the form of a workpiece, a layer of PVA glue is applied to it. Thus, the basis for the manufacture of a gypsum mask is made of 15-17 layers of paper impregnated with glue. It should dry for at least a day. Gypsum, diluted with water, is applied in a thin layer to a dried product. The dried paper-gypsum masquerade mask is sanded with sandpaper. After that, paint is applied to it. It is decorated to your liking and fixed on the head with an elastic band.
Halloween Masks
This peculiar holiday is becoming ever stronger in our lives. A growing number of people are putting on various fancy dress costumes on Halloween. Abroad, the industry for the manufacture of such costumes and masks for them is put on a "wide footing." It’s not so easy to get the appropriate outfit from us. Many shops offer masks of ghosts, witches, devils, animals, vampires, zombies and other movie characters for this holiday. If desired, you can make a similar papier-mâché and gypsum. The main thing is that the masquerade mask for Halloween should be very bright and scary.