African Masks for Kids

It is an ancient belief in Africa that masks represent the spirit of ancestors. In Africa, there is a tradition to choose a dancer during ceremonies, who is then made to wear a mask. It is believed that the mask is inhabited by the spirit and dancer falls into a trance. Apart from the observance of ancestral devotion, a rite of passage ceremony for boys is celebrated by the Mandingo tribe from Western Africa. The special attributes desired by these boys on reaching adulthood are carved out on wooden masks.

The African masks come in many different types. Most of these are regular face masks, while some of them are worn like a helmet and cover the entire face. Few of these masks only cover the head and one can wear them like hats.

How to Make African Masks
African masks can be made from materials such as fabric, wood, metal, etc, and is a popular kids' crafts activity. Simple tools are required in the preparation of these masks and the decorative items needed are generally inexpensive. The materials required for making a mask include 12 x 16 inches poster boards, pencils and erasers, paper for sketching, scissors, masking tapes, glue sticks, beads, buttons, color paper scraps, feathers and colored markers.

In the process of preparation of these masks, one should maintain the symmetry. One has to trace the mask shape on the poster board and cut it appropriately. Holes for eyes and mouth need to be cut; the symbols and attributes that one wants to draw on the mask need to decided beforehand. The shapes that need to be presented on the masks should be decided by means of discussion or brainstorming sessions. As stated earlier, African masks are symmetric in shape and the patterns/designs presented on them should also be symmetric. Designs created on the paper should then be used to embellish the masks. Once the mask is ready, holes need to be punched on the sides in order to tie the elastic strings. One can also learn how to make paper African masks in a similar manner.

Paper Mache African Masks
To make a paper mache African mask, one would require materials such as newspapers, old files/folders, grocery bags, masking tape, white school glue, pencil, knife, varnish, acrylic paints, decorative items, etc. Let us understand the procedure of making paper mache masks for kids.

The first step in the process of preparing the paper mache mask is to make an armature; few newspaper sheets need to be balled up and masking tape wrapped around it to create the desired shape. Paper strips should be made by tearing them away from a newspaper. The white school glue should then be mixed with lukewarm water to make a paste. The newspaper strips, after being wet in this paste, need to be stuck to the armature that has been created. Four layers of the paper strips would make the design strong and hard. The paper mache mask should then be dried for 24 hours. Once the mask dries completely, brown color paper strips cut from the grocery bag should be applied to it. The mask should then be decorated and painted just like any other mask.

African Style Animal Masks
The African style animal masks are quite popular among children. One can learn how to make African style animal masks with kids, without much trouble. The basic procedure for making African masks should be used for this purpose. The decorations particular to the animals one wishes to have, need to made.

The different types of African masks for kids can be made with simple and easy to follow techniques. One can also create variations in the form of decorations and embellishments for masks. The process of making African masks would therefore, be a fun-filled activity and would also give the children a chance to explore their creative side.