Venetian Ball Masks

Venetian ball masks were created during the middle ages in Venice, Italy. They were meant to protect anonymity while people engaged in festivities of all kinds. In an age where towns were small and people knew each other closely, Venetian ball masks were a great way to remain anonymous while disguising yourself from your neighbors as you enganged in hedonistic behavior. The masks have been made from papier-mache and usually adorned with jewels, feathers, beads and furs. They have not been popular for centuries,but have been recently resurrected in the late seventies along with the recent resurrection of annual carnivals held in Venice.

Sources:

http://www.ehow.com/facts_4967024_history-venetian-masks.html