Ceramic Mask Creation

During the Stone Age, masks were used for hunting disguises and possibly appeasing animal spirits, tying them to hunting rituals. During the Roman Empire, they served ritualistic, theatrical, and funerary purposes, becoming more complex to convey emotions, with death masks displayed by elite families to honour ancestors.

Celtic rituals frequently utilized masks for spiritual, ceremonial, and even social purposes, often blurring the lines between the human and spirit worlds. Masks served as conduits for ancestors, or animal spirits, facilitating communication and even embodying those entities. They also played a role in protection, disguise, and social commentary within Celtic communities. Masks were used to mark transitions in an individual’s life or social status.

Participants will enjoy a whole day learning various sculptural techniques to create your own artistic expression of a mask, embodying your creativity and personal journey. You will be able to use a variety of slips and mark making techniques.

About the workshop

• Whole-Day Workshop 10.00am – 3.00pm

• Create your own piece of useable artwork with guidance from a ceramicist

• Each mask will be posted directly to the relevant participant after firing

• Set in the unique surroundings of Butser Ancient Farm’s historic buildings

Jonathan Diorio trained as a Fine Arts Ceramicist, specialising in sculptural ceramics and hand building techniques. Diorio Ceramics Clay workshops aim to inspire people by giving them an experience of sculptural ceramics. Jonny Diorio has a vast amount of experience using ceramics educationally and therapeutically across a wide variety of client groups and age ranges, and is excited to bring his skills to Butser this Easter.

Included in your ticket

Entrance to the farm, a morning’s tuition and expertise, and use of all the tools and materials necessary to create an attractive ceramic mask, which will be fired and posted directly to participants. Please note: it can take up to 4 weeks to allow the pieces to be fired twice, making them weatherproof before posting.

WORKSHOP INFO

Please wear sensible clothing and footwear for this workshop. Lunch is not included, although sandwiches (subject to availability), hot and cold drinks, and snacks are sold in our gift shop. You’re also welcome to bring a picnic if you prefer!

This workshop is intended for adults, but suitable for ages 16+