As part of their “Art Around the World” study, students of Grade 2 have been focusing on African Art this quarter. This week, they are creating African Masks. In many African cultures, people wore masks that looked like animals or magical creatures as part of special ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, and birthdays, because they believed that it helped a person to talk to spirits or bring them good luck.
Traditionally these masks are made of wood, cloth, or clay and can be decorated using anything found in the environment, such as shells, straws, feathers, or plants. However, Grade 2 students have been using recycled paper and scraps to create and implement their mask designs, inspired by African traditions.