Walk through the entry of Friends Hall this week, and you will find yourself face-to-face with a vibrant intersection of the past and the present.

In a cross-departmental collaboration, students from AP African American Studies and Studio Art have transformed historical research into tangible artistry. The new exhibition features hand-crafted masks that do more than replicate ancient aesthetics—they demonstrate "visual syncretism," a sophisticated blending of diverse cultural influences and personal identity.

The project challenged students to explore the rich cultural and spiritual practices of ancient African societies, including the Yoruba, Aksum, and Nok civilizations. Rather than just reading about these cultures, students were asked to inhabit the mindset of the artisan.

"The student process was as important as the final product," said Dr. Kelena Reid, who teaches the African American Studies class.

To achieve this, the project required extensive time in the studio with Art teacher Dominique Avila. Students were encouraged to dive fully into an immersive experience, fostering a deep connection not only to the artistic materials—clay, paint, and organic fibers—but also to the spiritual contexts embedded in the forms they studied.

The resulting masks are deeply personal, merging historical accuracy with individual interpretation.

“My mask combines Chokwe culture, family history, and an element of modern African American culture to represent the themes of ideal femininity and ancestral reverence,” shared Ava B. ‘26.

Stella J. ‘26 drew inspiration from the Dogon people of Mali. She focused on how the Dogon masks are "deeply connected to their spiritual beliefs, ceremonies, and connection with nature,” noting that she was fascinated by how design elements shift when adapted from a specific culture.

Other students focused on the performance aspect of the artifacts. Kiara Q. '26 created a piece titled "Antelope Karikpo," inspired by the Ogoni people of Nigeria.

"The Karikpo mask represents the Antelope, a graceful symbolic animal central to Ogoni culture," Kiara explained. "[It] is used in lively performances that celebrate community, life, and identity."

For some, the project was a lesson in the sheer difficulty of ancient craftsmanship. Tyson A. ‘27 attempted to replicate an original Banda mask and found himself humbled by the skill of the original creators.

“I demonstrate how even the use of modern technology can not solely recreate the intricate and precise craftsmanship that was apparent within the original," Tyson noted.

Don't miss the chance to see these intricate works up close. The collection is currently installed in the Friends Hall entry for the entire community to view. We invite you to stop by, observe the details, and appreciate the journey these students took from historical study to artistic expression.