What’s behind a mask?

What’s behind a mask? http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo

.php?video_id=63928&title=African_Masks

While watching the video, think about the characteristics of the masks.

EQ-What purpose do artistic masks serve? What are characteristics of African masks?

Standards: Articulate ideas and themes from diverse

cultures Understand and apply media in processes

in 3D art Classify and discuss non-Western art

What’s Behind a Mask ?Since at least Paleolithic times people have used masks.Made of:wood, basketry, bark, corn husks, cloth, leather, skulls, papier-mâché, and other materialsMasks may cover the face, the entire head, or the head and shoulders, and they are sometimes considered part of an accompanying costume.

. Masks vary widely in their realism or abstraction, their use of symbols, and their ornamentation. The making of masks is a primary artistic outlet in many cultures

Masks from Africa, Oceania, and the Native American cultures of North America are highly prized by art collectors.

(Native American)

African

1. Ritual-The function of the masks may be magical or religious; they may appear in rites of passage or as a make-up for a

form of theatre. Masks may disguise a penitent or preside over important ceremonies; they may help mediate with spirits, or offer a protective role to the society who utilize their powers

Types of MasksWrite in Notebook!

Types of Masks

Protective-used during war.

Japanese

Types of Masks

Theatrical- mask were worn in theater productions in ancient times because the plays were often performed in large outdoor amphitheaters, it was difficult to see the details of the actor's face. The mask would help the audience see the intended emotion of the actor.

Banda Mask. Guinea. Nalu or Baga artist, late 19th or early 20th century. Wood, metal, pigment

The long, horizontal headdress is a composite of representations of the jaw of a crocodile, the face of a human being the horns of an antelope, and the curved tail of a chameleon. The combination of these features reflects the interaction between members of the community and their natural environment

Today, these masks are most often seen performing for entertainment

Fertility and Femine Beauty Female Mask,Nimba Baga peoples, Guinea Wood

The Nimba mask, one of the most massive used in Sub-Saharan Africa, symbolizes the power of life-giving fertility. It portrays a vision of woman in her most powerful, beautiful, and socially impressive form. Her flat pendant breasts show that she has nurtured many children. Intricately braided hair in parallel rows, with a high crest down the center, and decorative facial scarification embellish her beauty. Nimba appears annually at the time of planting and harvesting rice. Strong men compete for the honor of wearing the heavy wooden headdress; the rest of the body is covered in raffia.

Beautiful Ancestress Mask, Mwana PwoChokwe peoples, Zaire and Angola

 

This mask is about death and rebirth. It represents a young girl who has died. The eyes are sunken in and there are tears carved into the face.

More Masks The High Museum African Art Collection Click Here Slide Show of masks Click Here

Procedures Objective: To create a mask inspired

by ancient Africa.

Sketch a design for your mask in your sketchbook before you begin. You MUST exaggerate at least 2 features!!!

Draw on any areas you want to cut out Cut out any areas such as eyes or mouths

if you want holes

Exaggerate at least two features by adding masking tape and paper

Apply 3 GOOD layers

For three days we will add a layer of paper-mache

Your masks must dry in Between each layer!I shouldn’t see any tape oraluminum foil.

Cut out eyes and mouth AFTER 1 layer of paper mache

Paint in an interesting pattern.

Rubric Creativity (originality)

…………………….____/33 Color (paint job) ……………….____/33 Craftsmanship……………………____/34 (How did you do with papier-mâché?) Total ………………………………………

_____/100

How to paint your mask Use geometric shapes and repeating

patterns They should be symmetrical Use natural colors (red, brown, black,

yellow, and white)