Milk Jug Mask

This art project was inspired from African Masks that are used for rituals and ceremonies in the African culture. These masks are typically made out of wood and are hand carved by a mask artist. All masks are different and each one has it's own special and spiritual meaning. These masks are usually used in tribal dances and celebrations and they are usually constructed to resemble a human or animal face. 

For this project you need a few supplies. First you will need a milk jug that has been cleaned and dried. Then you will need masking tape, shoes polish, raffia, hole punch and paint. The first thing that you need to do is cut out a mask from your milk jug. You can put any features you wish such as eyes, mouth or eyebrows. When you are finished you must tape your entire mask with the masking tape. You can face the tape all the same direction or you can do different directions. This will only had more detail to your mask. 

Next you will rub shoe polish on your mask to create a rustic look. This will bring out the natural details and textures from the tape. Then you will paint your mask with more detail using a variety of colors and add your raffia. Then your mask is complete. 

When I was making my own mask, I felt like this mask was fun but also easy. Children of all ages would love to do this mask. The only problem that I found with this mask, is my paint did not stick very well. Overtime the paint lifted and fell off. I used tempera paint for my mask so maybe a different kind of paint would help with this issue. 

I think that this is a great way for students to create their own personal work of art because not one mask is the same. Each ones is different and unique just like we are!