Masking Making
The making of ethnic masks always sparks the interest of students. They love to see themselves in their art. This is the best way to show students how who they are can be seen in their art. It’s useful to mention the various African activities masks were used for.
Grade level: FiveÐEight
Materials
Cast material (used to mend fractures), water, newspaper, aprons, vaseline, scissors, paint and paint brushes.
Procedure
Students work in pairs
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Cut material in strips.
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Put vaseline on the eases of the face so cast material doesn’t stick to the hairs on the face.
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Have student begin to place strips in water and then on the partners face until the face is covered.
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Leave the holes for the nostrils open.
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Smoothe out the cast material with fingers. Concentrate on the partners features like nose, lips, cheek bones let it dry for ten minutes.
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Be sure the cast is hard and dry.
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Move fingers along the eases and remove slowly.
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The next day find colors and begin painting.
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Students can add hair made of string, earrings, shells, and glitter to give the mask an ethnic look.
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*Make sure YOU leave time to clean areas.