Afri-fractions
Arkansas Arts Academy 4th grade teacher Mrs. Gibbons incorporated an arts integration project into the math unit on fractions. The project involved students looking and studying various tribal masks of specific cultures from the west coast of Africa. These beautifully embellished masks often reflect mathematical concepts, such as fractions, within their designs. Students used their newly learned mathematical skills to create an African-inspired Masks at the Community Creative Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
OBJECTIVES
Students will use fractions to designate specfic amounts of clay for the foundation of the mask and specific types of three-dimensional embellishments. Students will also use fractions to designate specific fields of color for the glaze.
Students will be introduced to various African cultures via a presentation on African Masks. Students will be able to identify three distinct cultures and recognize West African iconography.
Students will be introduced to the artform of clay through the slab method. Students will create their own slabs and learn the skills and techniques for hand-building. Students will also learn how to apply underglazes to pottery.
Resources from the Project
afri-fraction.elem.pptxStudents were introduced to African Masks through a presentation. An overview of the ceremonial purpose of masks was provided concentrating on five specific West African cultures. Students also learned about abstraction and stylization as tribal communities use these methods to represent characteristics and physical features.
PowerPoint and content were created by Aaron Jones, Director of Arts Integration as part of the fourth grade fractions unit.
TYPES OF AFRICAN MASKS
Above: Teke masks originate from the Republic of Congo and Gabon. They are round and flat, with abstract geometric motifs, worn during funerals, weddings or meeting.
Right: Ngil masks were worn by the Fang people in Gabon. The masks are worn to inititate new members into the tribe and the persecution of wrong-doers.
Above: Bwa masks are produced by people in Mali. The mask has a flat plank shape. The Bwa mask is believed to possess supernatural forces, which act to benefit the community.
Right: Biombo people live in the Congo. On top of their masks are three stubs representing the hairstyle of Biombo women. The masks are worn in tribal rituals.
CREATIVE PROCESS
Each student selected a type of mask and studied the sections of decoration. Using fractions they determined the value of each section of the mask. Students were then asked to sketch a version of the mask they selected and to use their gained knowledge of fractions to designate specific areas for color and embellishment.
Images from Community Creative Center
Prior to visiting the Community Creative Center students were assigned to create a sketch of the type of African mask they planned to create. The shape, colors, and designs of the mask had to be inspired by one of the four West African cultures the students learned about. Additionally, each mask had to show evidence of using fractions for the facial features and embellishments.
Students brought their sketches to CCC as a reference for creating their masks.
Templates of their mask shape were placed on top of their clay slab and then traced.
Seeing the outline of the traced template students cut the shape of the mask fron the slab.
Facial features and additional embellishments were then added to the mask.
Using their sketches and skills in fractions, students determined what areas to be embellished.
Once specific sections were made using fractions, underglazes were painted on the desired areas.
Not all masks were divided equally. Some areas used fourths while others used sixths and twelfths.
Other masks used fractions to determine the number of colors or embellishments.
