4/29/2024 0 Comments Real plague doctor maskSo, if you see someone wearing a plague doctor costume this Halloween and their history isn’t quite up to snuff, make sure they share their candy with you first, before gently correcting them that their silly-looking mask isn't technically a part of the Black Plague's lasting legacy (even if it is extra-creepy looking). Meanwhile, the wooden cane was likely used to keep a distance from ill patients, or to instruct caregivers on how to move them during exams. The suffocating clothing ensemble was designed to protect the skin from exposure to miasma (the coat was even tucked into the mask), while the hat was simply a common accessory worn by physicians at the time. He is also responsible for its typical accompanying outfit, which consisted of a. The hat and gloves are also made of the same skin … with spectacles over the eyes. Doctor de Lorme (1584-1678) was the chief physician to Louis XIII, and is credited with the mask’s design. Under the coat we wear boots made in Moroccan leather (goat leather) from the front of the breeches in smooth skin that are attached to said boots, and a short sleeved blouse in smooth skin, the bottom of which is tucked into the breeches. The nose half a foot long, shaped like a beak, filled with perfume with only two holes, one on each side near the nostrils, but that can suffice to breathe and carry along with the air one breathes the impression of the enclosed further along in the beak. Here’s an early textual description from the Encyclopedia of Infectious Diseases: Modern Methodologies: He is also responsible for its typical accompanying outfit, which consisted of a leather overcoat, breeches, a cane, a wide-brimmed hat, gloves, and boots. In fact, medical historians say they weren’t invented until three centuries later, when a 16th century French doctor named Charles de Lorme likely designed what could be described as one of history's earliest hazmat suits during later waves of the plague.ĭoctor de Lorme (1584-1678) was the chief physician to Louis XIII, and is credited with the mask’s design. However, there’s no concrete evidence that physicians of the era wore these face coverings. (Today, you might recognize it from the “plague doctor” costumes worn during the Carnival of Venice, as it’s associated with Il Medico della Peste, the famous commedia dell’arte character.)ĭoctors are said to have embraced this look, thanks in part to the Black Death, which ravaged the Middle East, Asia, and Europe during the 14th century. To safeguard themselves against miasma, as they called this harmful air, doctors donned a curious accessory while treating sickly patients: a mask with a long, bird-like beak, which was stuffed with dried flowers, herbs, and spices. One size fits all.Long ago, European physicians believed that "bad air" caused illnesses-scientists like Louis Pasteur, Robert Koch, and Joseph Lister hadn’t yet delivered scientific proof of the germ theory of disease. And with the colour dyed into the material, it has a particularly fine finish.Īvailable in Brown and Black. Made from natural full-grain quality leather and sturdy stitching, this is a product that can withstand the abuse of a LARP or reenactment with regular leather care. With an adjustable leather strap and two fabric ties, Epic Armoury’s Plague Doctor Mask is made to fit anyone. Looking into the blackness of your mask's eyes feels like exposing one's soul, and so even your patients harbor fear at your presence. The masks are popular because of their elegant and curious shape. If your head is larger than 24 inch (61cm) circumference we can make the strap extra long. It comes with an adjustable leather strap with buckle and should accommodate any sized head. Many attendees of the Venice Carnival wear these curved, beak-like masks each year. White plague doctor mask handmade from vegetable-tanned cowhide and has inset red acrylic lenses. Today, however, it is more a symbol of festivity. To everyone else, you are a symbol of knowledge and healing.but also the harbinger of death. The terrifying Plague Doctor costume was a symbol of death and impending doom in 17th century Europe. The Plague Doctor Mask is your protection from the dangers of the world's illness, shielding you just as a knight's armor protects him from a fatal strike. All you smell are the fresh lemon balm and rose hips in your mask, protecting you from the lethal miasma of the dying. The smell of disease is rancid in the streets, but you are the Plague Doctor.
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