How do you make a simple African mask?
STEPS
- 2Cut eye holes. Start out with an 8½-inch or 10-inch paper plate.
- 3Make the nose and mouth. Take some strips of newspaper.
- 4Paint the mask. Paint your mask with a base color, which is typically brown, black, or white.
- 5Paint the details.
- 6Add some hair.
- 7Use the mask.
How is an African mask made?
Idea Five: Most African masks are made of wood. A mask carver is always male and usually holds an important status among his people. A mask is often made from a single piece of wood. The artist uses an axe-like tool called an adze to create the features on the mask. Fine details are carved on the mask using a knife.
What materials can be used to make an African mask?
There are many different materials used to make African masks such as: wood, bronze, brass, copper, ivory, glazed pottery, raffia and textiles.
What kind of clay is best for making masks?
Kaolin clay, or white clay, tends to be a favourite among skincare brands and enthusiasts alike. It’s the most gentle of the clays, and although it is less oil-absorbent than its green counterpart, it’s the most suitable for sensitive skin (or dry skin).
How are African masks used in African culture?
African masks represent the spirit that the wearer is trying to contact or the emotions of the person attempting to initiate the contact. These masks are usually worn as part of a ritual or ceremony. History of Masks notes that masks can be used to represent animal spirits, ancestors or mythological heroes.
What are African masks made from?
The Materials of an African Mask. African masks are made from a range of available materials: wood, bronze, brass, copper, ivory, terracotta and glazed pottery, raffia and textiles. They are often decorated with cowrie shells, colored beads, bone, animal skins and vegetable fibre.
What is the history of the African mask?
African masks have a rich varied history. They have been used in African rituals and ceremonies for a long time. It is believed that the earliest masks originated during the Paleolithic era . They were and still are believed to represent the spirits of animals or ancestors and mythological heroes.