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Create an African-Inspired Mask

Use what you’ve learned to develop a mask to celebrate an important event in your life

You’ve seen how African artists create the masks used in traditional ceremonies. Now it’s your turn to sketch a design, choose symbolic materials, and assemble your own mask.

Materials

pencil 

paper

cardboard

scissors

X-acto knife

ruler

glue

paint

paintbrushes

found objects (lace, fabric, electronic parts, magazine clippings, etc.) 

natural materials (leaves, sand, dirt, tree bark, shells, etc.)

Step 1: Select a Theme

Sketch a few designs for your mask.

How did the student who made this mask use found objects?

How are African masks used in ceremonies? They might be used to celebrate life’s important events, such as weddings, births, or coming of age. Choose an important event in your life. Then create a mask to celebrate this event. First, make a few pencil sketches on paper to create a design for your mask. Remember that your mask is a sculpture. Your sketches should indicate areas that you want to emphasize with three-dimensional elements. Then make a list of materials that symbolize your theme. These can include both found objects and natural materials. 

Tip: Get creative with your materials list. Unusual materials make more interesting masks!

Step 2: Create Your Mask

Cut out the eyes with an X-acto knife.

Draw the outline of your mask on a sheet of cardboard, card stock, or poster board. The scale of your mask should be life-size or slightly larger. Draw a very faint vertical line through the center of your mask. This will help keep it symmetrical. Sketch the facial features and any other details onto your mask. Use scissors to cut out the mask. If you’d like, you can also cut holes for features such as the eyes and mouth using an X-acto knife. If you are using cardboard, turn your mask over and score the back carefully with several vertical lines. This will help the mask fit the contours of your face. 

Tip: Your mask doesn’t have to be an oval or a circle. 

Step 3: Personalize Your Mask

Glue found objects and natural materials to your mask.

The student who made this mask used outlines to add detail.

Paint or collage the entire surface of your mask to create an interesting background. When it is dry, work with found and natural materials from your list to embellish your mask. As you arrange your materials, make choices about how the shape, color, and texture of the materials can emphasize parts of the face. Remember to incorporate elements and principles of art such as form, shape, pattern, balance, texture,  and color. When you are happy with the arrangement of your materials, glue them to your mask. 

Tip: Experiment before attaching your materials. Varied arrangements can show your theme in different ways.

Prepared by Kara Dobrowolski Dr. Phillips High School Orlando, Florida

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Sculpture
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