1st grade African collage paper masks

1st grade African paper collage masks 

I used Roylco blank paper masks 11" x 15" for this lesson for my first graders. They were around $11 for a pack of 20.  I bought enough for each student but  next year I will have the students trace them onto card stock or heavier paper and cut them out (save my school budget!). 

On the first day I showed various photos of African masks and discussed the meanings behind each one.

Helmet Mask (hemba)
early to mid-20th century

Unattributed Suku Artist
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Cincinnati Art Museum

Students then had a choice of either brown or red washable tempera paint to paint their mask. 

On Day Two students used oil pastels to add designs to their masks. We discussed how important it was to create symmetry in their art. 

On day three students added raffia, shells and feathers. We assembled the raffia on the back first. I went around and taped it for them. Students at this age would get frustrated if they taped the raffia themselves (and waste a lot of tape!). 

Yes we had raffia everywhere!!!

The last step was to staple the top. Here is a photo of before and after the staple. 

Before the staple. 

And after we stapled it. 

Students loved this project. It was really messy on the last day (with all the raffia) but the results were awesome!!