The Cultural Significance of Masks in 17th Century Venice, Italy, and 18th Century Chokwe Society, Angola

Abstract

Masks are objects that have been used for centuries for different reasons throughout various cultures. While hiding the face of the wearer is a universal act of the masking, the meaning behind it can vary from spiritual, deceitful, honorable, and even rebellious. This paper examines the cultural significance of two such masks, the Bauta mask from 17th century Venice, Italy and the Pwo mask from the Chokwe people of 18th century Angola. First, this paper will briefly discuss the history of masquerades within these two cultures. Second, a formal analysis of the two masks will be made as a gateway into the remainder of the essay. Third, a comparison of the significance of the masks to their respective cultures will be discussed. In Venice, the masks are used to allow Venetians to commit immoral acts such as gambling and seduction. The Chokwe people use their masks for various ceremonies, such as rites of aging or celebrations. The information will ultimately indicate that while the masks served to stabilize social disorder within both societies, the cultural meaning placed within the masks differ from within a society with a crumbling hierarchy and a society that respects and honors their people and ancestors.