African Masks

Various Artists
Shape
Pattern
Composition
Texture
Lwalwa Mask

 Africa has many different

cultures.
All of the cultures have
something in common
MASKS
The mask maker is
educated and respected.
Training may last many
years.
The masks are made with
strict rules colors,
materials, and shapes all
have different powers and
meanings.

Goma Mask

 They are used as

ceremonial costumes.
They are symbolic
often meaning things
such as celebration,
war or death.
They also represent
inner feelings.
Many tell stories about
a tribes history.
They come to life
through music and
dance.

Senufo Mask

 Masks are made of

Dan Mask

bone, ivory, metal, fiber,

and wood.
Often they used bold,
geometric shapes.
They are not copies of
nature, they are
expressions of inner
feelings.
What feeling do you
think the artist is
portraying in this mask?

 What masks are commonly used in

America today?

 What emotion do you

think the artist is trying

to show by this mask
design?
How? Which colors,
shapes or designs
express the emotion?

Do you see
pattern, or
shape in
these masks?

How
does
eye
shape
express
emotion
?

What emotions do you think different

colors represent? Red? Orange? Green?
Blue?

Headdress

Shoulder Mask

What will we be doing?

What type of ceremony are you creating

your mask for? What colors, shapes or

patterns will help portray the emotion?
Paint your entire mask.
You can use the tip of the paint brush or
q-tips to create small circles or add tiny
detail.
Think about symmetry and design.
Add embellishments such as twine,
yarn, buttons or colored beads.