Within the archives of the Association Montessori Internationale, it is documented that during the 1920s and 1930s, Maria Montessori frequently utilized an image of a child in a boat as a symbolic logo. This image was later transformed into a “Child on the Sea of Life” brooch, which was given to graduates of her courses.
The brooch was made in two versions: one in silver and one which added two hues of blue. One to symbolise the waves of the sea, in the lighter blue version we see the signature of Maria Montessori herself.
The brooch prominently displays a child seated in a boat, holding a paddle. The child is actively rowing, symbolizing movement, development, and progress.
The boat has a sail, suggesting a journey that is both guided by the wind (symbolizing external guidance or inspiration) and powered by the child’s own effort (the paddling). The background features waves, reinforcing the idea of navigating through the sea, which can be interpreted as the journey of life or learning.
The base of the brooch is designed in the shape of stairs, which may symbolize the stages of development. This design detail also may pay homage to the classic Montessori material, the Brown Stairs. Centrally located at the bottom is a flower symbol, which may signify growth, potential, and the nurturing aspect of the Montessori educational approach.
We should have faith in the child who follows their natural development.
The graduates could buy the brooch via the material manufacturers Philip & Tacey.
In the Philip & Tacey illustrated and annotated catalogue of the Montessori Didactic Material, Primary Series, Fifteenth Edition, circa 1930, we can see this brooch available.
In the book issued by the Montessori World Education Institute (an accredited Higher Education Provider of Montessori courses in Australia, founded in 1983) commemorating 30 years of providing training, it is noted that MWEI graduates are awarded this brass brooch with their certificate.
Roelie Hartwig from Montessori Tours&Travel, who was an MWEI graduate, told us that she received a cloth patch of a Child in a Boat.
Lizette Rincon told us that she received such a brooch at her AMI 3-6 course graduation from the Montessori Institute of North Texas. We don’t know the graduation year.
In December 2001, AMI’s Season’s Greetings card featured an updated rendition of the “Child on the Sea of Life” illustration. This new version was based on historical references and recreated by the Dutch artist Christa Jesse, specifically commissioned for this project.
