Venetian Masquerade Masks:
All throughout the many ports of Venice, travelers will inevitably come into contact with the ever popular Venetian Masquerade Masks. These specific forms of masks are usually seen during the Carnevale di Venezia –when participants dawn elaborate costumes- most of which include facial masks. The masks are usually made out of leather or paper mache and then decorated with bright colors, feathers,fur, and either real or fake jewels (simplymasquerade).
The historical aspect of the Venetian Masquerade masks dates back to approximately the middle of the 15th century. At this time mask makers – known as mascherari- where perfecting the art of their creation. Their products were then used as a way to disguise which class the wearer of the mask belonged to (simplymasquerade). This allowed for a better way of mingling between classes- especially during large gathers- such as the many carnivals that took place. The main carnival would begin two weeks previous to Ash Wednesday and end on Shrove Tuesday. It was during this time the Catholic Church had approved the use of such masks-allowing partakers to hide behind the ever popular masks and hide their true identity and status-whether it be of a higher or lower tier.
The celebration that took place before Ash Wednesday can be equated to that of Mardi Gras. The Church had limited the use of the masquerade masks to this time of year because their existence was being abused. Many times the masks were used as a tool to hide behind when partaking in activities that would be condemned by the Church- such as sexual promiscuity. Others used the mask to hide behind when finding out information- so that their identity would not be compromised. However, with the time restriction for the use of such masks their uses became less immoral. The masquerade masks were then mainly used by participants of the festivities to socialize with anyone because no one knew who was behind the beautifully decorated Venetian Masquerade Masks. The participants could then enjoy the pleasure of anonymity.
http://www.simplymasquerade.co.uk/maskmaking.html
http://www.magicofvenezia.com/servlet/the-template/maskstory/Page
The obelisk in the center the Piazza San Giovanni is the oldest one in Rome- being dated to the 15th Century BCE. It was brought to its current residence by the emperor Constantine and is made up of granite. It currently stands at a height of 105.6 feet-or 32.18 meters. It was actually said to have been 36meters tall but it was rumored to have been trimmed before it was planted in the Circus Maximus.
However, the history behind this particular obelisk goes back to Tuthmosis III, of Egypt, who had originally orders its creation. It was originally going to be used to adorn the Temple of Karnak in Thebes. Then this particular obelisk was chosen by Emperor Constantine to be taken to Rome. The action of moving the obelisk to the area near the Circus Maximus reflected the power and superiority over those the Roman’s had conquered. However, it was while the obelisk stood in the Circus Maximus that an earthquake to place causing the fall of obelisk theancientegyptians).
The obelisk was then rediscovered in the 16th century in three pieces. Under Pope Sixtus V the obelisk was restored and moved to its current location-Piazza San Giovanni. Before it was erected the Pope added to it the addition of a crucifix- so that all might see the sign of Christianity. The Piazza Giovanni then became one of the more prominent centers of Christianity. Pope Sixtus also added to the top of the obelisk his own person momentos of his reign as Pope- those being the three mountains with start and lions holding up pears (theancientegyptians). This was a symbol of the Pope’s power- much like Constantine’s centuries earlier- and his role in the life of Rome at the time (Blue Guide).
http://www.theancientegyptians.com/Lateran.htm
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