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

Make something that fits in your palm — perfectly.

⚡ 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

CardboardWire (thin gauge)Air-dry clayModeling tools

Step 1 of 4

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

Step 2 of 4

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

Step 3 of 4

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

Step 4 of 4

Decorate with paint, feathers, fabric, beads, or natural materials. Consider symmetry and symbolism.

Did you know?

🤯 Mind = Blown

🤯 The oldest known sculpture is 35,000 years old — a tiny mammoth carved from ivory.

🌟 Artist Spotlight

🎨 The Terracotta Army has 8,000 clay soldiers — every face is different.

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: Sculpt with playdough or even mashed potato. The tool doesn't matter.

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

🌟Share card

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Mask Making From Around the World

Techniques you'll practise

You will need

Next Smart Project

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Mask Making From Around the World

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