The tradition of wearing masquerade mask during the Venetian Carnival begin in 1268. People were allowed to wear mask from St. Stephen's Day (Dec 26) to midmight of Shrove Tuesday (Mar 4). After the Ausstrians took control of Venice in 1798, the wearing of mask discontinued until 1930's. Mask be commonly used to hide identity or status, so as to be able to carry on with the wrong crowd such as pirates. The original were made of leather just like these be, not like most on the market be made of plastic or resin. Perfect accoutrement fer pirates attending masquerade partys or Mardi Gras parades.