Like Venetians
While in Italy we took the kids to Ca’Macana, one of the oldest mask workshops in Venice. It was definitely a highlight of our time on the magical city built on the water.
800 years of making masks
Ca’Macana uses techniques used by Venetians 800 years ago in the making of masks.
A model of a face is made out of clay, then plaster is poured on top of the model until it hardens which is then used as a mold.
Then comes the papier mâché process of applying strips of paper and glue.
A wardrobe of masks
Historically it was during the Venice Carnival, that lasted more than 2 months, that Venetians were permitted by law to wear masks.
Before the fall of the Venetian Republic, at the end of the 18th century, masks were worn throughout the year as part of every day life. Imagine that for a moment!
Well worth my euros
While it wasn’t cheap, I would recommend this experience to anyone. The kids, ranging in age from 16 – 8, all loved it. And the moms? Well we loved it too.
The opportunity for creativity combined with hands-on learning about the Venetian culture of long ago was everything I had hoped for.
One of the kids favorite stories was about the mask of the plague doctor.
Make your own paper mâché
For a more modern look at paper mâché you won’t want to miss a recent post that includes info on how to make your own paper mâché creations.
Hiding behind our masks
And, of course, we just had to wear our masks on the streets of Venice when we were done! Click here to see us ordering gelato incognito. Smile.
What mask would you choose to make for yourself? Scary? Sad? Happy?