Progress on African Mask-Making Project

The concept of "masking or masques" is extremely important in the Montessori High School and Erdkinder curriculum. Adolescents must try on different personae and explore self-actualization in order to construct their adult personalities. Whether it's dressing up for Halloween, acting in Spring Festival, or - as in this assignment - actually making a mask that represents something about themselves, Montessori understood the power of the mask in human development.

We were lucky to have spent so much time seeing fascinating masks in museums and reading about masking in our African literature so that we could bring a depth of understanding to this project.

Sketching ideas

Part of the African Mask Assignment was to plan ahead and visualize what we wanted the final product to look like. In addition, students were charged to think of how their mask might say something about them as a person. 

Sketching ideas

Adding relief with paper mache

Using supplemental cardboard to add effects

Finally adding color to the mask

Thinking - there was a lot of pondering over approaches

A final sketch/plan

Masks taking shape

It's coming along - slowly

Happy with the direction at last

Some finished pieces with narratives

Adding texture and interest

A sophisticated use of paper mache to add relief

Adding more colors and layering complexity

Some fine detailing - almost finished

We hope you enjoy seeing our finished masks in the main building's hallway soon!