Artefacts and Masquerading at the Horniman Museum

Year 8 headed to the Horniman Museum recently to take part in an interactive workshop to strengthen their understanding of the use of masks in global societies.

The Victorian museum and gardens in Forest Hill houses displays of anthropological interest, musical instruments and natural history, including a huge array of taxidermy animals.

Students were allowed to touch and handle artifacts and objects from the museum’s vast collection.

Students also got to try on some of the many masks from around the world, allowing them to experience the different weights of the masks, the materials used and how donning a ceremonial or dance mask made them feel.

The experience and sketches the students made on the trip will inform their work at school when designing and constructing their own masks.

What students said...

"I liked looking at the ancient artifacts and how it was an interactive workshop."

"I liked finding out the history of things from the information texts at the museum."

"I would like to explore the museum more."