Mask Making From Around the World

Practice mask construction in this art lesson: mask making from around the world.

🎨 Studio Brief #9

Design and build a mask inspired by mask traditions from different cultures: African, Japanese, Venetian, or Native American.

🎯 Your mission

Squish, pinch, build. Trust your hands.

⚡ The twist

Build it bigger than feels comfortable.

What you'll learn

Design and build a mask inspired by mask traditions from different cultures: African, Japanese, Venetian, or Native American. Masks are used in ceremonies, theater, and celebrations worldwide.

Get ready

Techniques you'll practise

mask constructioncultural artsculptural decoration

You will need

Wire (thin gauge)Air-dry clayModeling tools

Step 1 of 3

Research mask traditions from one culture. Sketch your mask design on paper first.

Step 2 of 3

Form the base from a paper plate, cardboard, or papier-mâché over a balloon.

Step 3 of 3

Cut eye holes and shape the nose and mouth. Add features with layered cardboard or clay.

Did you know?

🤯 Mind = Blown

🤯 Clay shrinks about 10% when it dries. Plan for it.

🌟 Artist Spotlight

🎨 Auguste Rodin's *Thinker* started as a tiny clay sketch.

You did it!

Next: Slab-Built Box or Container All lessons

🎯

Next Smart Project

We'll pick an art project that matches exactly where your skills are right now.

✨ More to explore

🌍 Where you see this: Pots, cups, sinks, statues — anything you can hold started as squishy stuff.

🏆 Try this week: Make a tiny clay creature. Give it a name and a story.

👨‍👩‍👧 At dinner: “Tell me about the part of your sculpture you're proudest of.”

🌟Share card

Share this art project

Send it to a parent looking for a 15-minute screen-free creative win.

Mask Making From Around the World

Techniques you'll practise

You will need

Next Smart Project

Share this art project

Mask Making From Around the World

Done with art? Try something else

Your Cart (0)