Ancient Africa     LESSON PLANS FOR MASKS , SHIELDS AND "KENTE" PLACEMATS plus Ancient Africa Links     These elementary art lessons can be utilized in studies of art history. Students can learn about the various tribal masks of Africa and the ceremonies in which they were used.      Purpose     Students gain a greater perspective of other traditions and beliefs. They gain experience in exploring several media.           Objectives     1. Students cooperate with each other.     2. Students learn to manipulate a variety of media.     3. Students explore traditions of African cultures.     4. Students increase creativity by making something new and different.     5. Students' feelings of self-worth will increase.             AFRICAN MASKS     Resources / Materials     PICTURES OF AFRICAN MASKS, FACE PATTERNS, POSTERBOARD OR OTHER HARD PAPER, PAINT, BEADS, BEANS, VARIOUS UNCOOKED PASTA, FEATHERS, RAFFIA, YARN AND ANY OTHER ITEMS YOU MAY FIND APPROPRIATE           Activities and Procedures     1. View and discuss a presentation of ancient African art.     2. Explore African mask-making by viewing pictures.     3.Create a preliminary drawing of mask.     4.Pass out face patterns. 5.Trace pattern on hard paper and draw mask designs, tell students that they may change facial features on masks. The pattern is only a guide for location of eyes and mouth in case they would like to wear their masks.     6.Paint masks and allow to dry.     7. Cut mask out and prepare materials that will be attached to masks.     8. Decorate masks.         AFRICAN SHIELDS     MATERIALS/RESOURCES     PICTURES OF AFRICAN SHEIELDS, POSTERBOARD OF CARDBOARD, RAFFIA, OIL PASTELS OR PAINT, BROWN PAPER BAGS OR BROWN CONSTRUCTION PAPER     PROCEDURE     1.HAVE STUDENTS TRACE SHIELD PATTERN ONTO CARDBOARD.     2. CUT OUT SHIELD SHAPE.     3. CRUMBLE UP HALF A PAPER BAG OR BROWN PAPER.     4. GLUE SHEIELD SHAPE TO BROWN PAPER AND CUT EXTRA PAPER OFF AROUND THE SHIELD SHAPE.     5. DECORATE SHIELD USING OIL PASTELS OR PAINT (CRAYONS ARE TOO DULL ON THE BROWN PAPER)     6.USE A HOLE PUNCH TO CREATE HOLES IN WHICH RAFFIA CAN BE TIED.     7.ATTACH A HANDLE MADE OF A RECTANGULAR STRIP OF POSTERBOARD. USE MASKING TAPE TO ATTACH THE HANDLE TO THE BACK OF SHIELD.         "Kente" Placemat         Materials     Pictures of Kinte cloth     black construction paper12"X18", 1 inch strips of colored paper     Procedure     1. Have students fold a 12"x18" sheet of black construction paper in half.     2. Draw lines about an inch apart, starting at the fold and ending an inch away from the edge of the paper.     *Students who are use to weaving can draw other types of lines other than straight such as zig zag or wavy.     3.Cut on these lines.     4. Weave one inch strips of paper using African colors. Instruct students to use the over and under technique.     5.Slide each strip snugly over to the preceding strip.     6.Glue edges down on both sides and laminate if desired.     EVALUATION      Students critique: What design principles and elements have I used? What do I especially like, and what would I do differently next time? Students display masks and shields with "special" name and stories of purpose, or students create a skit for other selected grades to observe, after which masks are displayed.       Links     Heritage for Kids     African Masks pictures     Back to homepage     Created by Tabitha Ward     November 1997