The use of masks has been used by many cultures throughout history. In a mask lesson, display examples of masks representing different areas of the world such as Africa and China as well as Native American masks. Masks can be made out of different materials including colored construction paper, clay or papier mache. Select a culture the students are to base their mask on and a medium. Clay and papier mache media give students a chance to work hands on with materials they may not have used previously.
Aboriginal art is known for the use of line and dots to create symbolic images. Display works of Aboriginal artwork and discuss symbols that are present within the artwork. Ask students to create an image using lines and dots that have a personal meaning to them; the students are not to create a picture of a symbol. For example, a baseball should not look like a baseball but may be represented by a red line surrounded by white dots.
The Huichol (pronounced Wee-chol) people of Northern Mexico are famous for their yarn paintings. These paintings use lengths of yarn glued down to tell a story. Using a permanent marker, students draw the images they want to include onto fiberboard. Beeswax is then shaved and heated to melt over the board. Students will reheat the sections of beeswax before placing the yarn into the section.
Create a Native American weaving by using sections of burlap interwoven with color sting, yarn and beads. Display examples of Native American weaving with different patterns and themes within the works. Burlap strings can be removed to create sections in which students can weave in different colors of string in interesting patterns. At the bottom of the burlap sections, the students can attach colorful beads to create another texture and to add more color to the work.