The Art of Ancient Africa- African Masks

Part of the fourth grade curriculum in my district, is to learn about the art of Africa. This year we did that in the form of masks. At first I thought about using paper mache, but let me tell you, that is the my least favorite of mediums. Also I had other classes working with clay at the same time and those two materials mix only with deadly consequences so I opted for paper masks.
We began the discussion with some student-led research on African art and African masks, then we discussed what the students had found. After establishing some basic facts about African art and African masks, we took a look at images of many different kids of African masks. My challenge to the students was to see what the found in common with all the masks.

As a class, we made a list of the similarities between all African masks, here is what they came up with that they all seemed to have:

- basic line designs.
- earth tones
- exaggerated facial features
- yarn/twine used for beard and facial hair
- animal and human features mixed together

Students had to choose at least two of these items to show in their interpretation of an African mask.

During the next class, I show the students how to fold and tape their paper to make a more three dimensional paper mask. For the rest of the class, they used only scissors and paper to cut out and add details of the face.

During the second class, I introduced pipe cleaners, feathers, twine and yarn, as well as paper, for the students to use to create details on their mask.

On the last day, they were able to use paint to complete the look, making sure they included two of the items from our list about what is usually seen in African masks. The results are very striking and each has a different personality and theme to it.