PROJECT: MASK

STUDENT TEACHER CANDIDATE: R. ADAMS

NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY

African Mask Making Project (Can be adapted to any age group K-12.)

This project is meant to be presented in conjunction with an African art historical unit. Emphasis will be placed on the characteristics and style of the African mask.

Process:
Begin with an oval piece of cardboard between 12 and 18 inches wide. Cut four to six 3 in. slits into the cardboard on the top and bottom edges of the oval. Overlap the cardboard where the slits are made to shape the cardboard more into a dome creating a three-dimensional form something like a face. Staple the slits together after overlapping. This will be the base for your mask. You may add extra pieces of cardboard to accentuate facial features, such as the nose, eyebrows, lips, etc. You can also staple extra pieces of cardboard to the edges of the form as decoration.

Next, you will use paper mache to cover the mask. You should TEAR newspaper into pieces about 1” - 1 1/2" wide by the length of a standard newspaper. After tearing the paper you should dip it into a glue solution. Cold water box pastes are good but flour and water will also work. Once you have dipped and coated the paper you should run the paper between your pointer finger and middle finger to squeeze out excess glue. Once you have done this, you should apply the sticky paper to the mask. Put at least three layers of paper mache in order to form a stong mask. It is best to run the paper strips in various directions for strength. In addition to layering you can crumple, twist, or lay the glued paper flat. Small amounts of paper can be crumpled and dipped in glue.These can be modeled and applied to the mask for detail and texture. Once you have formed the mask’s face and decorations with the paper mache you should allow it to dry throughly.

Once dry you will be able be able to paint, sand, and decorate with other items and glue. You may paste additional decorative pieces of construction paper, yarn and other found objects. Have fun with it, but don’t forget to keep the African theme. You may even want to collect some of the natural materials used by African cultures as another decorative element to add to the mask

Materials Needed:
Cardboard
Staples
Stapler
Paper
Bowl
Glue or paste
Paint
Decorating objects
Sand paper

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