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Lesson Summary
Lesson Summary
In this lesson, students will design and create ritual masks inspired by global cultural traditions. These masks may reflect traditional practices from specific countries or cultures or be symbolic representations based on traits and national identity (e.g., incorporating a country’s flag). Through this project, students will explore emotion, symbolism, and design while learning about the cultural role of ritual masks.
Lesson Objectives
Lesson Objectives
Learn about the purpose and symbolism behind ritual masks from different cultures.
Understand how facial expressions and design choices convey emotions or traits.
Create an original ritual mask design through sketching and iteration.
Use color and form to express meaning and cultural inspiration.
Construct a wearable mask that represents both personal creativity and global tradition.
Materials Needed
Pencil
Eraser
Color markers, colored pencils, or paints
Mask template (paper or plastic base)
Elastic string
Reference images of ritual masks (optional)
Background
Background
Ritual masks are used across many cultures for ceremonies, storytelling, spiritual connection, and theatrical performances. While often symmetrical and bold in design, these masks can represent ancestors, animals, deities, emotions, or symbolic values. Cultures such as those in Africa, Korea, Japan, Oceania, and the Americas have unique and visually striking mask traditions, each with distinct uses, colors, and meanings.
Discussion & Brainstorming Questions
Discussion & Brainstorming Questions
Which cultures are famous for their ritual masks? What are their characteristics?
Have you ever seen a Korean Tal (탈)? What makes it different from other cultural masks?
What emotions or traits might a ritual mask express?
Try expressing “anger,” “joy,” “mystery,” or “strength” with your own face. How does it feel?
What colors or patterns best express the emotion or idea you want to show?
What culture, country, or flag might inspire your mask design?
Meaning of Colors
Meaning of Colors
Mysterious black, purple, grey
Health red, green, orange
Intelligence silver, blue
Beauty pink, red, white, purple
Sadness grey, blue
Strength black, red
Anger red, black
Friendliness green, yellow, orange
Happiness yellow, orange
Humor yellow, orange
Fun yellow, orange, green
Purity white, pink, light blue
What to Do
What to Do
Step 1: Concept Sketches
Create two rough sketches of mask designs.
Choose 1–2 character traits or emotions (e.g., happiness, fear, mystery, strength) to focus your design.
Consider inspiration from a specific culture or country if desired.
Step 2: Add Color to Sketches
Use colors that symbolically express the traits or emotions you've chosen.
Remember: if your mask doesn’t look appealing in the sketch, it likely won’t in final form either—refine it!
Step 3: Transfer Design to Mask
Choose one design to finalize.
Lightly sketch the design onto your actual mask base (paper or 3D form).
Make adjustments or improvements as needed.
Step 4: Color and Decorate
Use color markers, colored pencils, or paint to bring your design to life.
Add texture, patterns, or symbols to enhance the visual impact.
Step 5: Assemble and Wear
Carefully attach the elastic string to your mask to make it wearable.
Try it on and observe how the expression and traits come to life.
Step 6: Refine
Add final details—lines, shading, highlights, or embellishments to make your mask visually strong and meaningful.
Terminology
Terminology
Ritual Mask: A mask worn during cultural or spiritual ceremonies to embody spirits, traits, or cultural meaning.
Symbolism: Using colors, shapes, or imagery to represent ideas or emotions.
Symmetry: Balanced arrangement of elements on both sides of a central axis.
Character Traits: Qualities or emotions that define how someone feels or behaves (e.g., bravery, joy, anger).
Color Psychology: The study of how colors affect mood, emotion, and symbolism.
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