The art of masks exists since Pharao's times, when people were believing in the power of eternity, and, for many reasons, these beliefs have held true until the present. This can be seen in many a contemporary religions rituals, such as, spiritualism, in which the masks still enjoy frequent use. Masks can have different meanings: beauty, happiness, a moment of fantasy, myth, decoration, creativity, celebration and culture. In some places masks have a traditional importance in the celebration of carnival.

The use of masks during the life of the Venetian Republic remains one of mankind's notably eccentric practices. Indeed, masks have been worn in cultures throughout the world for thousands of years, but perhaps never with such fervent pageantry as in Venice. Masks can also be used for eroticism or simply to have a good time out partying.

Additionally, the masks served an important social purpose of keeping every citizen on an equal playing field. Masked, a servant could be mistaken for a nobleman - or vice versa. State inquisitors and spies could question citizens without fear of their true identity being discovered (and citizens could answer without fear of retribution). The morale of the people was maintained through the use of masks - for with no faces, everyone had voices.