During the 17th Century, beaked masks were worn by so-called 'Plague Doctors' in Italy (and to a lesser degree in other parts of Europe) as part of the overall protective wardrobe.
The mask was worn along with spectacles, leather gloves, long coats and trousers sewn into their boots. The overall look was very dark and ominous.
The mask was intended to protect the doctor from the plagues miasma spread through poisoned air that in turn imbalance a person humors, this was in a time before germs were understood.
(The four humors medicine are black bile, yellow bile, phlegm and blood)
The mask was filled with perfumes and other smelly stuff which was believed to help protect the wearer.
This is an Italian carnival style version of mask
This particular mask was given to our lrp group by one of our crew
