EXPLORATORY ART TRI-1

Purpose of African Mask

Tribal masks represent more of a “spiritual” and “ritual” quality rather, then just for beauty and decoration. African masks often represent the spirit of ancestors, good and/ or evil, the dead, animal spirits, and other beings believed to have power over humanity. Rituals and ceremonies are always accompanied with song, dance and music, played with traditional African musical instruments.
http://www.artyfactory.com/africanmasks/index.htm

For thousands of years, rituals and ceremonies was an integral part of African life. However, European countries came to Africa and began colonizing them. Many of the traditional celebratory ritual faded and seldom used in Africa.

Traditional African Tribal Masks Clay project

Students in exploratory art created a clay mask inspired by various African tribes. Students used the “slab” method, hand building with clay. This was done by rolling the clay into a large slab about ¼” thick. In order for the clay to be joined together with another piece, students learn to “slip” and/or “score” the art pieces. “Slip” is made of clay with water added making a thick gravy consistency and is applied with a brush. “Scoring” is done by crossing many lines on the clay part (to be joined) with a stylus. This roughens the surface and helps bond the clay pieces together.

When the mask is completed, the clay is air dried for 4-5 days. From there the clay mask is loaded into a kiln and is “fired’. The first firing is called a “bisque” fire. This will make the clay hard and able to accept colored glaze. Students would paint “under-glaze”-dull finish and/or regular glaze, resulting in a shiny surface. 3 coats is recommended for a really smooth and slick surface.

Students researched through Study Wiz, a MLTI program that allows students to acquire numerous resources and ideas. The teacher would set this up for the each class and students would access the info.