Masks played a crucial role in everyday Venetian life: with the exception of Advent and Lent, masks could be worn in public throughout the year.
Although the bauta could be worn by anyone, there was also a mask which was worn only by women: it was the mask of mystery and seduction.
It was called the moretta or muta: moretta (small and dark) because it was small and oval and covered in black velvet and muta (mute) because it was held in place by a small button inside the mask which was gripped by the teeth, thus rendering the wearer unable to speak. This mask hide only the eyes, nose and mouth.