Super Power-Boosting Masks

Create Native American-style masks. Those who wear them are thought to be granted super powers! Imagine what powers your mask might have.

• 1.

  Research the types of masks worn by various Native American tribes, both past and present. Compare masks from North, Central, and South American cultures. For what are the masks used? How do the forms and colors on the mask reflect these uses? Some masks were believed to give their wearers extra powers. Think of super powers you would like to possess! Imagine how those powers might be reflected in the shape and colors of your mask.

• 2.

  Use a clean, dry paper plate for sculpting a mask. You may wish to form a crumpled newspaper armature on which to shape your sculpture. Use masking tape to hold the paper in the form you want.

• 3.

  Press out a slab of Crayola Air-Dry Clay and place it on your armature. Mold a mask that could contain the powers you identified. Will the mask be in the shape of a face, animal, or an imaginary creature?

• 4.

  Create forms on the mask that represent the powers it holds. For example, lightning bolt lips could make you a very fast talker! Use craft sticks or other modeling tools to mold, cut, and impress detailed designs on your mask. Add thin, twisted rolls of clay for hair, beards, or other decorations.

• 5.

  While it is still wet, lightly paint your mask with Portfolio® Series Watercolors. Choose colors that will enhance your powers, too. For example, if you want to be a better swimmer, you might paint your mask blue. Air-dry your mask for at least 3 days.

• 6.

  Add a coat of one or more Crayola Tempera Mixing Mediums for amazing surface effects to match the mask’s powers. Choose from Texture It!, Pearl It!, and/or Glitter It! Air-dry your mask before displaying it.

Benefits

• Children explore the uses of masks in Native American cultures.
• Children identify forms and make connections between forms and functions.
• Children imagine and create forms that symbolize powers and abilities they would like to enhance for themselves.

Adaptations

• Gather into small groups and write skits that use the super powers depicted on the masks. Present skits to students in younger grades!
• Create a mask for a favorite actor, hero/ine, musician, athlete, educator, leader, or other positive role model to celebrate that person’s skills.
• Research masks from several different cultures (such as Native American, African, Japanese). Compare and contrast the appearances, functions, and materials of each.
• Assessment. Students present their masks to each other. They identify the powers of each mask based on the forms sculpted.