Genuine Vintage Mardi Gras Mask - Full Size Adult.

Description

Genuine Vintage Mardi Gras Mask - Full SizeAdult.
Condition is "Pre-owned".
This vintage large Mardi Grascarnival mask is dual purpose - wear it, or hang it for display.
The full face paper mache base is painted in gold with green accents.
The mask is topped with intricate glitter lattices and scrolls.
Gold brocade edges the top of the mask.
Elaborate brocade purple, green and yellow 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 thewearer’s eyes or whole face, masks add an element of mystery and intrigue whenworn, especially around this particular holiday in New Orleans. It’s safe tosay that masks are one of our favorite Mardi Gras traditions.
When did the masktradition start though, and why?
Masks have been worn bydifferent societies for centuries. Some groups wear them for rituals, some forcelebrations, and still others for the performing arts. Mardi Gras masks inparticular originated in ritual celebrations. New Orleans has been celebratingMardi Gras for hundreds of years, and is the largest masked party in NorthAmerica.
In the beginning, masksworn during Mardi Gras allowed wearers to escape society and class constraints.When wearing a mask, carnival goers were free to be whomever they wanted to be,and mingle with whatever class they desired to mingle with. However, they werealso considered to be a diversion for poor people, and women who wore masks hadtheir reputation questioned.
Today, everyone wears masksduring Mardi Gras. In fact, float riders are required to wear masks by law. OnFat Tuesday, everyone is free to wear masks, adding to the excitement and magicof celebrations throughout New Orleans.