Aboriginal Mask

Connect with an ancient culture with these Model Magic Presto Dot masks! Discover what role masks played in Aboriginal life, and apply their distinctive artistic style to your own creation.

• 1.

  Aboriginal masks were used for a variety of ceremonies, rituals, dances, and to honor ancient spirits in the culture. Examine traditional Aboriginal masks. How are they decorated? What shapes do you recognize? Do the shapes, colors, and designs have special meanings to the Aboriginal people?

• 2.

  Use the information you find to inspire your own Aboriginal mask creation! Cover a blank mask armature with a thin layer of Crayola Model Magic®. Be sure to tightly cover any unused Model Magic to prevent it from drying out.

• 3.

  Decorate your mask using Model Magic Presto Dots™! Flatten a small amount of Model Magic on a hard surface, like a table. Firmly press into the Model Magic using a Presto Dots tool. Twist the tool slightly and lift away from the flattened modeling compound. Gently press onto the mask. Model Magic that is fresh from the pack will stick to itself. Dried pieces can be glued together.

• 4.

  Experiment with different Presto Dots tools. What shapes work best for the facial features you want to create? How can you blend and swirl the Model Magic colors to create interesting effects?

• 5.

  Be creative! Embellish your mask by layering dots, weaving braids, and molding unique 3D forms!

Benefits

• Students gather information on ancient Aboriginal rituals and traditions by researching the uses of the culture’s masks.
• Students recognize shapes used to represent facial features on masks.
• Students apply the Aboriginal style to their own masks, and plan which shapes, colors and designs to incorporate into their designs.

Adaptations

• Invite an expert to the classroom to share authentic Aboriginal objects and talk about the daily lives of the people. What is the Aboriginal culture like today? How does it compare and contrast from your lifestyle?
• Let’s celebrate! Masks were commonly used in Aboriginal celebrations and dances. What event will you celebrate together as a class? Maybe the first day of spring or a successful science experiment? How will you modify the decoration of your masks to refle
• Display all the students’ masks. What is common between each? Does each mask reflect the artistic style of the Aboriginal people? What can the different facial features be interpreted to represent?