Traditional Costumes
Domino
Piece of Clothing
The domino is actually a piece of clothing. It became a classic Fasnacht figure for the Basel Fasnacht. The Fasnacht Guide of 1945 says: ‘Practical costume for gentlemen who are already wearing their evening suit and want to intrigue for an hour. Wide black or coloured overcoat with hood.’ (Until before the Second World War women were not allowed to take part in the street carnival.)
Origin
The term domino is derived from the Latin word ‘dominus’ for lord. Initially it was the word for a wide, roughly calf-length coverlet worn by Italian and Spanish clergymen without sleeves and with a hood. Other sources see the domino originally as a hooded cloak worn by the monks, primarily in winter.
16th Century
In the 16th century the domino was adopted into the secular dress of both sexes. Due to its disguising appearance the domino was also suitable for maintaining the incognito.
18th Century
In the 18th century the domino therefore developed into the typical Venetian costume. Until then the colour black dominated but later other colours were also used. Silk and velvet fabrics were preferred for the domino. In a different form it also existed with wide sleeves.
Bautta
The domino is obviously related to the bautta, a black coverlet with a wide, drawn mantilla with laces under a black tricorn. This classic Venetian costume with a white or black, bird-like half mask granted men and women access to all houses.
Popularity in Germany
The domino (also known as the bat) also existed in Germany, especially at courtly ball events. Several advantages explain the growing popularity of the noble costume, although, or precisely because, it was very unpretentious and neutral in terms of design. For one thing, since the domino was worn by both men and women, it was, so to speak, gender-neutral. This made it easier to approach other ball visitors. Secondly the costume did not require any preparation and also allowed for a quick exchange which further ensured anonymity. Casanova, for example, took advantage of this circumstance when he changed his domino at a ball after blowing up the casino. Last but not least, because of the low price, several dominoes could always be financed.
Costume
The Domino still exists as a simple sleeveless cape made of velvet or satin with a hood. The usually white mask or half mask made of papier-mâché or fabric has a rather severe facial expression. Since a full mask makes the hood superfluous the domino is also found in a knee-length cloak without a hood and with sleeves. This is because without sleeves it would be more difficult for drummers and pipers to play the instrument. In the course of time other features such as harem pants, stockings, pompoms, felt hat or ruff have become established in the Basel Domino so that the boundaries to other figures such as Harlequin or Pierrot are fluid. All in all the Domino is a noble appearance.
