The Bauta

Let's discover the history of Bauta..... A fascinating world

La Bauta: it is without a doubt the queen of Venetian masks . The best known masks of the Venetian carnival probably the mask par excellence there is certainly the Bautta or Bautta , it is a unisex mask and was dressed by both men and women and contrary to what is commonly believed the name Bauta does not only refer to the mask but concerns the whole masking and was in fact made up of the face larva or white face , with the tricorn hat that served to hold the mask, in fact Bautta did not have ribbons.

So it was used only with the use of the tricorn and the zendale or zendalino which could be made of silk or lace, this is what served to cover the head and shoulders and this is what made people unrecognizable. Furthermore, the bautta has another peculiarity, it is devoid of a mouth and this enlargement on the base allowed not only to distort the fine voice to make the person further unrecognizable but also allowed to be able to eat to be able to feed without having the need to remove it.

THE ORIGIN OF BAUTA OR BAUTTA

The Bauta is undoubtedly the most used mask by the Venetians during the Carnival and beyond, in fact it became commonly used even in theaters where it was mandatory for women of marriageable age. Its appearance in Venice dates back to the thirteenth century, although its greatest popularity is recorded between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

WHAT IS THE SECRET OF HIS POPULARITY?

The bauta was the only mask that was allowed to circulate even on the days of San Marco and the Ascension, when other masks were banned. Its success is perhaps due to the fact that it was accessible to all, because it consisted of a black cloak also known as a cloak, a hat called a tricorn , a lace xendal or roccolo, and a mask, the larva ( perhaps from the Latin word il whose meaning is precisely a mask or ghost,) which allowed one to eat and drink without having to take it off, thanks to its open and elongated chin which also modified the voice of the wearer.

WHAT ARE THE CLOTHES YOU CAN WEAR WITH THE VENETIAN BAUTA?

The Xendal derives from the word zendale, a long stole originally made of silk which was used to cover the head and shoulders of the ladies and which over time was enriched to the point of becoming totally in lace, undoubtedly one of the favorite costumes of many . The lace xendal was worn around the neck, and descended along the chest, its bulkiness making the mask impenetrable and allowing for total anonymity. This made the bauta a mask for all social classes, and for both sexes, it was a complete disguise that did not reveal who was behind it.

The Bauta in a theatrical costume (Russia, early 20th century)

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE NAME BAUTA?

The origin of the name probably comes from the German Behuten : to protect. In fact, it protected the identity of the wearer. Larva , on the other hand, was the name of the actual mask, made of plaster, papier-mâché or leather .

THE BAUTA AND THE THEATRE

In 1748 Carlo Goldoni created theatrical works in which baute were also used, thus representing a glimpse of Venetian life at the time. It was also portrayed by some famous painters such as Pietro Longhi, Canaletto, Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo and Francesco Guardi. As you can see, the typical bauta has a very long history, but it has always maintained its leading role even after the ban imposed by the Habsburg empire on the Venetian Carnival.

IS THE BAUTA STILL WORN TODAY?

Certainly yes, Venetians and tourists continue to be fascinated by this wonderful mask, but in the end who isn't? Personally I love the masks of Venice and I love this one in particular, it makes me feel free and there is no more beautiful emotion than freedom. And you? Have you ever tried to feel free wearing a bauta? Or wear one to a party like the Eyes Wide Shut movie? Think about it, a mask from the 1200s that remains current and contemporary even in the 21st century. Previous next

BAUTA AND CASANOVA

Very often the bauta is linked to Giacomo Casanova , the most famous libertine of Venice. The bauta allowed him complete anonymity, he was able to seduce an incredible amount of women, without them knowing what he looked like. You too would like to feel like Casanova right? So what are you waiting for! Buy an original Bauta too!

Only Unmasked Store has the best Baute for sale at unrepeatable prices! If you don't find the model you prefer in our online store, we can create it for you! Contact me for full customization. If you need the Bauta costume, message me and I'll send you the info, complete with photographs! To contact me write to unmaskedstore@gmail.com , WhatsApp or call me on 0031643577116

Ahiii!…..I was forgetting, many wonder which is pronounced Bauta or Bautta , and here we remove the doubt….. the correct pronunciation is! baùta ba|ù|ta feminine noun A hug, see you soon! Maxi