There is an alternative for the person who thinks he or she is not adequately represented by the art of photography: the plaster life mask. Do-it-yourself kits are available on the internet.

Masks themselves have a history that predates recorded time. Some societies believed that wearing a mask representing the face of a powerful person gave you the same powers.

Death masks date back to the Egyptians and the practice continued into the 1800s. Their purpose was to capture the facial features of “socially significant” individuals such as military leaders, kings, presidents, composers, poets, etc. These masks were an important record of features for sculptures, carvings, and paintings.

Life masks of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln were central in providing accuracy for the creation of statuary of these two national leaders.

Local artist and naturalist, Vivian Akers became interested in life masks about 1924. Several of his masks are in the collection of the Norway Museum and Historical Society. One of the life masks on display is of local medical practitioner Dr. Bial F. Bradbury, a man active in the affairs of the town of Norway and also the State of Maine. After receiving his medical training, he returned to Norway to practice with his father, Dr. Osgood N. Bradbury. He treated patients in Norway until he died at his office on April 22, 1927 “while in consultation with a patient,” as reported in his obituary.

Two other masks were of a young couple, seventeen-year-old Frances Moore of Norway and Alexander H. Chapman, a petroleum engineer from Springfield, MA. Mr. Chapman later supervised the construction of the pipeline between Maine and Montreal. The couple were married in 1925 and traveled extensively in Europe and the Near East, finally settling in Chocorua, NH.

It is easy to see from Akers’ masks that he enjoyed experimenting with the medium. Some of his masks showed teeth and hair. Generally, the life mask stopped at the hairline, and as for teeth, the idea of having plaster poured on a mouth open sufficiently to expose teeth would certainly not appeal to everyone.

The process: 1. The face (and hair, mustache, sideburns, etc., if included) were coated with a type of grease or oil that made the plaster casting easy to remove. 2. Plaster was applied in layers. Originally straws were inserted in the nose to allow for breathing; otherwise, it would have become a death mask. It is reported that when George Washington sat for his mask, quills were inserted for breathing. 3. When the plaster was completely dried, it was gently removed from the face. 4. Once the mold had “set,” it would be coated with oil or light grease to waterproof the inside. 5. Plaster or liquid wax was then poured into the mold and allowed to harden. Often the mold was re-used to produce additional masks of the subject.

So, if photography doesn’t represent your image in the most flattering light, grease up your face and apply plaster for a life mask. The practice now is to leave holes to breathe through. Remember that; it’s very important. Warning: if you happen to be claustrophobic, then suck it up and go with the photo. Remember, “Photoshop” can enhance your real or imagined visage.

Stop in at the Norway Museum and Historical Society and have a look at these examples of an interesting art form. The museum is located at the corner of Whitman and Main Streets and is open Saturday mornings from 9 to noon.

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