Art After School: Tribal Mask
This is a fun, colorful, and easy craft that can be incorporated into a number of different themes (African American history, tribal, cultural, etc.).
Tempera paint in a variety of colors (I put out purple, blue, green, red, brown and then white for the tribal markings
To save time, I hole punch the plates ahead of time. I punched holes for 5 strands of hair and 2 on the side where I thought the ears would be, so the mask would fit around the face.
Before they paint, have the kids trace eyes and cut out (or have parents cut out).
I only gave the kids about a quarter size amount of paint because I need the masks to dry as fast as possible. I ALWAYS emphasis that when it comes to paint, less is more. For the over-eager painter, I usually give them a dry brush and have them spread out what is already on their plate.
When they are done painting the base of the mask, set it aside to dry. To make the nose and mouth, shape newspapers by rolling and molding the paper. It’s easier to glue if you use less paper then a big chunk.
Glue down the nose and mouth.
Paint the nose and mouth.
Use clear tape on bridge of nose (if needed).
Use paint to draw tribal designs, dots, lines, shapes, or anything else they want.
While these are drying, fasten pipe cleaners to head.
Add beads or colored pasta for a little pazzaz!
Tie yarn to one of the above the ear holes. Measure the child’s head and tie yarn in the other above the ear hole.
