Lesson 35 - World Masks

                                                     "MYSTERY!"

Mystery is the word this week! We explored the world of masks; specifically their cultural meaning, their history and use in everyday life.

We concentrated on three specific types of masks; the African, Aztec, and European styles.

The children learned that many African masks were made of wood or clay. Mask making is a rich tradition passed down from father to son. Masks makers would train for years in the proper carving techniques and were highly regarded in tribal society. Many African masks represent animals or spirits. Masks also represented power and were worn many times during hunting ceremonies.

Like the African masks, the Aztec mask tradition is very ancient, and was connected to the Aztec religion and gods. The Aztecs did not wear their masks but used them for display purposes. Consequently, many Aztec do not have any holes for the eye area. Many times the eyes are drawn on the mask itself. The Aztecs used precious stones, gold plating, and even coral to make their masks. Many Aztec masks are on display in museums in Mexico.

The European masks date back to ancient Greece and ancient Rome. They were used to illustrate and remind people of various gods in religious festivals. Masks were made from many substances from cloth to paper mache, to lace and even stucco. Masks are still used today in Europe and the US for theatrical productions. Some masks like the northern Italian “Arlecchino”, or the Neapolitan “Pagliacci” are synonymous with the region they come from and date all the way back to the Renaissance.

The most fun use of masks here in the US is of course, Halloween and Mardi Gras. They hide the wearer’s identity and allow the impersonation of someone else.

After a brief historical tutorial, the children chose one mask from the three different styles. They were able to look at samples,  then proceeded to decorate their own mask using markers, yarn, stickers, fathers, and ‘gems’.  Some masks were pretty, some very ornate, and others even scary. The children were asked to come up with a special story about their mask to share with one another. What does their mask represent? Who wears it? What is it used for?

By sharing stories about their mask, the children  were able to keep the long tradition of storytelling alive and strengthening their friendships.