Aztec Mosaic Mask

Dig deep into an ancient Mexican culture! Recreate colors reminiscent of traditional turquoise and coral found on these mosaic masks!

• 1.

  Spanish explorers encountered several distinct civilizations, including the famous Aztecs from Mesoamerica. From the 14th through 16th centuries, Aztecs were a wandering tribe of people before they settled in the Valley of Mexico where they founded Tenochtitlan—known today as Mexico City. Artifacts found from these cultures include fabulous jewelry, pottery, tools, and ceremonial items including masks.

• 2.

  Aztecs created masks to wear in religious ceremonies and in death. Masks were placed over a mummified head to protect the deceased from dangers in the afterlife. Research the Aztec culture and arts. Look at authentic images for inspiration before designing your replica mask.

• 3.

  Use a paper bowl or plate as an armature on which to build the mask. Trim and bend it into the shape you want. Add dimensional effects for the forehead, nose, and mouth. Indent sections for eyes. Cover your craft area with newspaper. Use a dark color of Crayola Tempera Paint to cover the base of the mask. Air-dry the paint.

• 4.

  Mix several colors of Crayola Model Magic® to make tints, shades, and tones similar to native turquoise and coral used in Aztec masks. Leave some areas where the colors are not completely blended for a marble effect. Roll out slabs on wax paper to dry overnight. Model Magic dries to the touch overnight.

• 5.

  Cut Model Magic slabs into small pieces (tesserae), mostly squares. While the Model Magic is still pliable, press and glue the colored tesserae onto the mask base. Leave small spaces between each piece that could be "grouted" for a typical mosaic look. B

• 6.

  Display the masks, accompanied by a map and other information to share about these "ARTifacts."

Benefits

• Students research artifacts from and information about Aztec civilization. Students demonstrate their understanding of the mosaic process and produce a decorative mask in the style of the Aztecs. Students participate in a display of their groups’ artwork to share information and ideas.

Adaptations

• Devote time to create interpretations of several different cultures from various time periods and parts of the world. Display replicas in chronological order, like a timeline, for other students to walk through the exhibit.
• Art teachers can coordinate with classroom or social studies teachers to create this art. This project addresses a variety of curriculum standards.
• Assessment: If students created a mask replica with small tesserae on a base that is formed like a face, they have been successful.