Pulcinella, (meaning “Neapolitan Mask”) was the creation of a Naples man in the early 1400's, whose name to this day is still unknown. Donning the garb of a black mask, a white hat, a white dress, and black shoes, this man would walk around Naples poking fun at the rich and the people in power. Life in Naples in the early 1400's was not easy. Economic and social depression were rampant in a city often under the rule of many different kings. Because he helped people to forget about their problems, if only for a moment, Pulcinella became one of the most cherished symbols of Naples.