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Bauta
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The Bauta wasn't used by the Venetians only during the Carnival, but also on a variety of occasions.
A large black full-cut mantle was attached to the mask which came down from the head over the shoulders to half-way down the body. On the head went the traditional three-cornered hat (the tricorn) and on the face a white mask which had a stretched-out protruding upper lip underneath a tiny nose which changed the tone of the voice, thus making whoever wore this costume totally unrecognizable. This mask was extremely popular with the Venetians, and they were prepared to pay large amounts to have the very best lace and the highest quality fabrics.
The bauta was worn by both men and women. It was obligatory for theatre-going women, but was forbidden to young girls waiting to be married.
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