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 materials, masks 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, and masks from Africa, Oceania, and the Native

American cultures of North America are highly prized by art collectors.

Types of Masks

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. Equally 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 Masks

Protective-used during war.

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 environmentToday, these masks are most often seen performing for entertainment on such occasions as visits by dignitaries, public holidays, or other festive occasions.

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 the Baga 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

 

Among the Chokwe peoples, masked dancers perform in villages during the initiation period, when newly circumcised boys are secluded for instruction in the initiation lodges. The name of this mask means "young woman." It represents a female ancestor who died at a young age, and thus is a reminder of the theme of death which is part of the initiation experience of death and rebirth. The shape of the face is that of a deceased person, with sunken eye sockets and gaunt face. The "tears" carved under the eyes express the painful experience of loss through death.

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!!!

Form a base out of aluminum foil in the shape o f your mask.

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