MASKS

Learning Target

I can create a tribal mask that represents me using abstract designs, patterns and symmetry.

Key Characteristics of...

AFRICAN MASKS

ABSTRACT: Representation of something in a non-realistic way.

Ex:

Pablo Picasso's cubist paintings are abstract and actually inspired by African sculpture & art.

• Represent Significant Things
• Abstract
• Use Patterns
• Symmetrical

Compare Picasso's painting beside a mask from West Africa.

PATTERNS

The repetition of shape, lines or colors to create a design.

VERTICAL SYMMETRY

When the left & right sides of an image mirror each other.

Let's learn a little about

AFRICA!

FACT #1

AFRICA

FACT #3

53 Countries

AFRICAN MASKS

2nd

Largest

Continent

Egyptians

EGYPT

Pyramids

Heiroglyphics

Cairo

(Capital of Egypt)

VARIETY

of climates, cultures, plants & animals...

SAHARA DESERT

FACT #4

THE NILE RIVER

THE SAHARA DESERT

Largest

Desert

in the World

THE NILE RIVER

• Flows south to north

• Longest river in the world
• Length: 4,132 miles (Burlington to Alaska)
• Primary water source for countries downstream Ancient Egyptians depended on the Nile to live

Primarily part of the cultures of people south of the Sahara Desert.

Where earliest human remains have been discovered.

FACT #2

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Masks worn as part of ceremonies & ritual performances along with music, dances & costumes.

2nd

Most Populated Continent

FACT #5

JOHANNESBURG

Why are the masks significant?

Variety of climates, cultures, plants & animals

They are representations of anything that has meaning and importance to the people group or tribe.

For example:

• Spirits of Ancestors
• Mythological Beings
• Gods
• Good & Evil Spirits
• Anything believe to have power over humanity

LET'S MAKE YOUR OWN

TRIBAL MASK!

Requirements

If you were to have an African inspired tribal mask that represented you, what would it look like?

Think of 5 things that significantly represent you. Do not include something because you simply "like it". You need to be able to EXPLAIN how it represents you.

5 things could include: hobbies, interests, sports teams, family heritage, future career

• Rough Draft w/ explanation of 5 things
• The mask must include 5 things that represent you.
• Abstract
• Vertically Symmetrical
• Include Patterns
• Build one or more forms on the surface of the mask (ex. snout, ears, horns)
• Paint Mask

MASKS

Take your 5 things and create a tribal mask that represents you.

*IDEA: Some students will associate themselves with the traits of an animal and use that animal's face for the main design of the mask.

STEP #1

Design Your Mask - Rough Draft

STEP #2

(draw in sketchbook)

BEGIN BUILDING YOUR MASK!

Your rough draft must...

EX:

Get balloon set-up to papier mache'.

Instructions:

• Blow-up and tie off the balloon.
• Tie string to the knot.
• Fold tape around string to create a label. On one side write your names. The other side will be used to write tally marks for each layer.
• Tie a loop at the end of the string. Hang balloon on a nail.
• Lotion balloon.

• Find a partner
• Get balloon set-up to papier mache'.
• Papier mache' 6 layers on balloon. Use layer guide below. Mark tally once layer is complete.

Expression through form, pattern, & color

* You have to get 1- 1 1/2 layers done a day. In total you have to complete 6 layers in 5 days.

...meet the requirements.

...be colored in colored pencil (use colors available in the acrylic pumps as well as the metallic acrylic paints).

...include a plan for decorations (beads, shells, feathers, etc.) & forms.

...include a written explanation of the 5 things that represent you.

Layers: B&W = Layers 1,3,5

Colored Ads = Layers 2,4,6

STEP #3

BUILDING FORMS

STEP #4

STEP #5

on surface of mask

PAPIER MACHE

PAINT & DECORATE!

over new forms

• Draw line down the center of the balloon (pencil) and cut balloon in half w/ Xacto

*Use your rough draft as your guide.

• Draw your design on the mask.
• Paint your mask! (areas that are white will need to be painted with white paint)

• Papier mache 3 layers over new forms and on to the mask at least 2 inches outside of where the forms connect to the mask. Let dry!
• Sand And fill holes with with wood filler. After drying, smooth surface.

• Write name on the inside of mask form.
• Use recycled materials, tape, paper, etc. to build your forms (ex. ears, snout, horns, etc.). THINK CREATIVELY & PROBLEM SOLVE!

REMEMBER NEATNESS COUNTS!

• Decorate with beads or any other materials you bring in. Use the hot glue to attach these things.

• Once dry, paint a layer of white gesso over the front of the mask.

*All forms need to be covered with tape and hotglued to mask.