Students create masks and study the art and history of mask making. They are asked to design a mask that has a purpose and a cultural significance, using both unique ideas of their own and design methods of a specific culture. It is interesting to discover that mask making and wearing has been used for many centuries and in most societies. After viewing many different kinds of masks in a slide presentations, students look up information on the web to find out more about a particular style of mask. Students also look at masks of various cultures displayed in the classroom, such as Japanese Noh masks, African masks, Mexican Masks, Italian Masks, and Northwest Native American Masks. They must download an image of a mask from the culture that they wish to imitate, and create a Word document explaining their plans and expected outcome of the project. Students use paris craft, a fabric impregnated with plaster of paris, to create their mask. They may make a mold of their own face or use a pre-made plastic mold. As students finish creating their masks they write legends or stories that describe the purpose of the mask or how their mask came into being. They will be inspired by listening to a variety of legends about Native American Indians, African Anansi folktales, and Japanese children's stories to help give them ideas for their own legends.

Azumi's Japanese Mask	Sara's Japanese Mask	Randy's Mask	Comedy & Tragedy by Elizabeth & Shannon	Patricia's African Mask	Nel's Native American Mask

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Other Art 1A Projects to Share
Computer Art	Totem Block Prints	Plaster Masks	Ceramic Shoes	Portrait Partner Project	Jacob Lawrence Project
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