The history of the Papier Mache masks comes from china during the Han dynasty which lasted from BC 202 –AD 220, and was used to make the base of their helmets. Quickly this material spread to Japan and the Persian Empire being used to make masks for their festivals. It was also found to be used as a base for some Egyptian death masks. During the 1600s the papier Mache masks made their way into mainland Europe notably France where it was given its name meaning chewed paper.
The method traditionally used to make a Papier Mache mask is to tear paper into small pieces and mix flour and water till you have a heavy cream consistency .then you apply the mixture and paper into the mould of the mask you wish and leave to dry. Once dry it is sanded and then painted and if required water proofed. In the 20th century the way Papier Mache masks were made changed to using lightweight resins, although traditional Venetian masks still use the paper base.
To find a whole host of authentic Venetian Papier Mache masks just visit Venetian masquerade masks.
if your wanting a unique mask but don't want to start from scratch then try our range of blank masks.
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