Lesson 17: Paper Mask

Objective: To have students create a paper mask that shows symmetrical balance.

Vocabulary:

balance - The way parts of an artwork work together so that the parts seem equal.

exact symmetry - The kind of balance created when lines, shapes, colors, and forms, are exactly the same on both sides of an artwork.

near symmetry - The kind of balance crested when lines, shapes, colors, or forms are nearly the same on both sides of an artwork.

purpose - The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists, such as narrative, info, time-piece, aesthetic, process, informative, social commentary, entertainment, design, etc...

radial symmetry - A type of symmetry in which a pattern extends from the center of an artwork, like spokes of a wheel.

symmetry or linear symmetry - The kind of balance created when both sides of something are similar or the same.

vertical axis - An invisible line that divides the left and right sides of an image or object.

Balance in Masks

Almost every culture in the world has created masks for special events and celebration.

Aztec Mask by Unknown Artistabout 1500, white jade10.5 cm x 14.5 cm x 4 cmPeabody Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

Symmetrical Balance
Look at Aztec Mask by Unknown Artist. Hundreds of years ago, the Aztecs ruled a large part of what is now central and southern Mexico.
Use your finger to trace a line down the middle of Aztec Mask. This line is the vertical axis of the artwork. Compare the left side of the mask to the right side. The artist matched the lines and shapes on one side of the mask to those on the other side. Artworks with this kind of arrangement show symmetrical balance.

Materials in Masks
Ancient mask makers used materials such as tree bark, shells, minerals, leather, metals, wood, corn husks, and feathers in their work.
The Aztec Mask was carved from jade, a mineral that is usually green or white in color. Jade was used by the Aztecs and other ancient people to make jewelry and other decorative objects.

African Kwele mask by Unknown Artistpigment on carved wood26" highWestern Equatorial Africa

Look at African Kwele mask by Unknown Artist. I was carved from wood. How are the African mask and the Aztec mask alike? How are they different?

Compare the Inuit finger masks to the Paper sculpture mask by Caleb. How are they alike? How are they different?

Inuit finger masks by Unknown Artist19th century, carved wood4.5" x 3" x 0.5"Detroit Institute of Art, Detroit, MI, USA

Finger Masks
The masks in Inuit finger masks by Unknown Artist were warn on fingers instead of the face. Inuit women wore one of these finger masks on each hand. They danced with their hands and kept their feet still. Do the Inuit finger masks show symmetrical balance? How do you know?

Paper sculpture mask by Caleb

Think Critically - Tell what you learned.

Studio Time: Paper Mask

Materials:

Pencils, Poster Board, Scissors, Markers or Paint, Paintbrushes, Glue, Colored Paper, Decorative Materials

Plan

Sketch some ideas for a mask you would like to make. Use lines, shapes, and colors to create symmetrical balance.
Check list:
- Create a paper mask.
- Use linear symmetry to make the mask the same on both sides.

Create

Choose you best sketch and draw the outline of your mask on poster board.

2. Cut out your mask. Cut holes for eyes and other facial features.
3. Add color and other details to your mask with markers, paint, colored paper, feathers, or beads

Reflect - Tell about your work.

Photograph and Submit your work on Google Classroom.

Photograph sketches as well as completed artwork.
"Add" (attach) to Google Classroom assignment.
"Mark as done" to submit your work for a grade.

Challenge: Clay Mask

Create a mask from a clay slab using an additive method for facial features, complete with paint and varnish.

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