objectives
To learn the process of papier mache
To understand the process of recycling materials to create art
To learn about uses of masks among different African cultures, and to look at examples of this artwork
materials
Sketch paper
Colored pencils
Newspaper
Aluminum foil
Glue/Flour/Water mixture
Paint (restrict palette to 3 or 4 colors)
Tablecloth
preparation
Teacher should arrange the materials on the table and prepare the glue mixture.
introduction
Show students examples of African masks from different cultures. For each mask, discuss what the culture was like—where they lived, the size of their population, and their general way of life. Ask students, What role do you think this mask played in the culture it came from? Have students guess based on the properties of the mask. Use their answers to help explain what the mask was used for, and the significance of each feature of the mask.
For example: This is a Kuba mask, made by people who live in the south central part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They trace their history back over 100 kingdoms. This is the face of the sister of their first king. In this culture, they believed that spirits of important ancestors could be called upon at times to ensure success with health, finding food, and having babies. Knowing all this, what do you think this mask was made for? When would somebody wear it? What materials are on the mask, and what are they supposed to show?
Ask students to think about a holiday or event that their family celebrates each year (or a big event coming up, like a wedding). Have them make a drawing of that event, that represents the people who are there and what activities take place. If it’s a religious holiday, ask students if they know the story behind why they celebrate that holiday. If not, ask them to discuss the event with their family when they go home. The details behind the event will help the student decide what shape to make their mask and how to decorate it. For instance, if there is an animal that represents the event (e.g. a bunny for easter), the student can make it in the shape of that animal’s head. Maybe they are making a mask for a birthday, in which case they can put a birthday crown on top, or candles. Candles or a Star of David would also be appropriate if they were making a mask for Hanukkah. Maybe their family celebrates Cinco de Mayo, in which case they could decorate their mask with the colors of the Mexican flag. Very young students will probably require a lot of assistance with coming up with ideas for this, but the mask should be unique and representative of their own traditions at home. They can always make a mask that’s just the shape of their face, decorated with different symbols or writing.
Have students make a sketch of what their mask should look like—drawing the outline of the shape for the mask, and using colored pencils to show the designs.
process
creating the mold
- Students take several full pages of newspaper and create a ball roughly 2” larger in diameter than their own head
- Students then cover half of the ball with aluminum foil
- Students rip up the remaining newspaper into strips
- Students dip the strips into the glue/water mix and apply to the aluminum foil, creating several layers of papier-mache
adding to the shape of the mask
- Once dry, the teacher can help students cut the mask down along the edges to fit their face.
- If students want to add to the mask—e.g. add horns, ears, or other details that change the overall shape of the mask, the teacher can help them create a mold of newspaper, and then cover over the mold with papier-mache strips.
painting the mask
- Have students consult the sketch they made for their mask before beginning painting
- Ask students to limit their palette to 2 or 3 colors. These should be colors that are used in decorations for the event they’ll use the mask for, or colors that remind them of this event.
follow-up discussion
- What are some examples of masks that we looked at, and what were they used for in the cultures that made them?
- Why did you make the mask that you did? How did you decide on the shape and design for the mask? How do these details represent the event that you had in mind when you made the mask?
- If a civilization in the future found your mask, what do you think it would say about your family and your culture? Do you think they would be able to guess details about your traditions from seeing your mask?
