Genuine Vintage Mardi Gras Mask - Full Size Adult

Description

Genuine Vintage Mardi Gras Mask - Full Size Adult.
Condition is "Pre-owned".
This vintage large Mardi Gras carnival mask is dual purpose - wear it, or hang it for display.
The full face paper mache base is painted in gold with black accents.
The mask is topped with intricate glitter lattices and scrolls.
Gold brocade edges the top of the mask.
Elaborate brocade fabrics in wired triangular shapes curl around the top and bottom of the mask - each with a faux pearl and jingle bell dangling at its end.
Mask is approximately 25 inches top to bottom tip.
Mask is approximately 20 inches wide.
Whether they cover the wearer’s eyes or whole face, masksadd an element of mystery and intrigue when worn, especially around thisparticular holiday in New Orleans. It’s safe to say that masks are one of ourfavorite Mardi Gras traditions.
When did the mask tradition start though, and why?
Masks have been worn by different societies for centuries.Some groups wear them for rituals, some for celebrations, and still others forthe performing arts. Mardi Gras masks in particular originated in ritualcelebrations. New Orleans has been celebrating Mardi Gras for hundreds ofyears, and is the largest masked party in North America.
In the beginning, masks worn during Mardi Gras allowedwearers to escape society and class constraints. When wearing a mask, carnival goerswere free to be whomever they wanted to be, and mingle with whatever class theydesired to mingle with. However, they were also considered to be a diversionfor poor people, and women who wore masks had their reputation questioned.
Today, everyone wears masks during Mardi Gras. In fact,float riders are required to wear masks by law. On Fat Tuesday, everyone isfree to wear masks, adding to the excitement and magic of celebrationsthroughout New Orleans.