|
Gnaga The gnaga is a type of mask originating in Venice. The mask depicts the face of a cat and was historically worn by male prostitutes and cross-dressers, particularly during the Carnival of Venice. The mask covers the top half of the face and is traditionally made of papier-mâché.[1] EtymologyThe word gnaga derives from gnau, a Venetian-language onomatopoeia representing the meow of a cat.[1] People that wear the gnaga are known as gnaghe.[2] HistoryDuring the 16th century in the Republic of Venice, homosexuality was illegal and punishable by death by hanging and burning in Piazza San Marco. However, Venetian law stipulated that people could not be punished for crimes committed while performing as a masked character during the Carnival of Venice.[3][4] In order to practice prostitution without fear of punishment, male homosexual prostitutes wore cat masks and performed as women. These prostitutes often wore dresses and carried baskets of kittens with them.[1][5] Occasionally they pretended to be nannies and carried real babies.[6] Male prostitutes were greatly popular in Venice, even outcompeting female prostitutes.[7] In 1511, the Venetian government allowed female prostitutes to publicly display their breasts in order to better compete with homosexuals. Ponte delle Tette (lit. 'Bridge of Tits') is named because female prostitutes would gather there topless.[1][4] The gnaga mask continues to be worn at the Carnival of Venice by men dressed as women.[8] Wearers of the mask typically behave like female commoners, meowing mockingly at passers-by.[9][10] See alsoReferences
|
