Masks

Becker, Anina. (2004). Masks: Awakening Archetypes by Giving them Shape, Body, and Voice (Doctoral dissertation, Pacifica Graduate Institute, 2004).

Masks have a rich tradition in spiritual and healing rituals throughout cultures and times. This dissertation researches how the the process of mask-making and mask-wearing can awaken archetypal forces within one’s self and how the masks can be a tool in getting to know and express those archetypal forces.

The author chose art as her research methodology for working with archetypal masks, arguing that doing research is not confined to the intellectual gathering of knowledge or the careful observation of others. In order to experience the power of mask-making and of wearing masks for herself, on her own body and psyche, she immersed herself in the creation of 12 archetypal masks and let herself be guided by the masks themselves throughout the process of getting to know them, accepting and integrating them as a part of herself. She experienced that masks invite us to try out new sides of ourselves, thus revealing a variety of archetypal forces which lie buried in the unconscious. In addition to giving a literature review relevant to her topic, she shares her personal and intimate journey with each of the 12 archetypal masks.

The reader is given directions on how to make a mask. A series of photographs enables the reader to get a glimpse of the magic of masks and conveys the archetypal forces that have been brought alive in shape, body, and voice.