Make a Mask

Objectives

1. To learn about how masks are an important part of celebrations in Mexico (historical and cultural understanding)

2. To recognize the different types of masks in Mexico and the characters that they convey (perceiving and analyzing and responding)

3.) To find different ways to construct a mask by using a variety if material and by exploring line, color, shape and form (creating and performing)

Vocabulary

celebration- to observe an event with festivities

character- set of qualities that portray a personality or a being

disguise- to change one's appearance in a manner that obscurers one identity and creates another

festival- a time for merrymaking especially with a program of cultural events

transformation- to change in appearance, shape, or identity, from one thing into another.


Materials

Railroad board or tagboard , approximately 10" x 12" for each student

scissors

Cray-pas or crayons

pencils

raffia or string

glue

hole punches

feathers

pipe cleaners

Motivation

Ask your students if the have participated in any celebrations. What different kinds of celebrations are there? What are some important elements of a celebration? When do people wear masks? What happens when someone puts on a mask?

Introduce the information presented regarding masks and celebration in Mexico, using visual aides if available. Then pose the following questions: If you were going to make a mask what kind would it be? Why? Would it be a mask of beauty, of protection, of power or for transformation? What would it represent?

Procedure

1.) Have each student hold the board up to their face and point to their eyes. Mark the position of each eye with a crayon, then draw a shape around each eye. It can be any shape: a circle, square, heart shape or an invented shape.

2.) Folk the board and clip inside each eye; insert the tip of the scissors and cut out the shape of each eye.

3.) Change the shape of the entire make. Once again, it can be a conventional or invented shape. Have students draw the shape of the mask, trying to use most of the board. Scarps can be used to create additional shapes like horns, beards, big ears, etc.

4.) Use crayons or Cray-pas to decorate. Make different types of lines. Blend colors and smear if using Cray-pas.

5.) Add raffia or string by punching holes into the mask and threading the materials through. Tying knots and letting extensions hand creates another effect. Glue on feathers.

6. Punch holes at eye level at the each of the masks to attach pipe cleaners. Twist pipe cleaners behind the head to wear.

Evaluation

Have a mask parade. Have each student wear his/her mask and lead the group in a parade in front of other classes, around the school and through the neighborhood.

Have students create a written description of their mask. Include the most prominent features such as shape, color and character. Describe the mood or character of the mask. Create a mask display using the masks and their descriptions.

Mask Bibliography| Doll Project | architecture | puppets