African Mask Monoprints

Students began by learning about African masks from Mali and Guinea. We then created a life size mask and covered all the lines with yarn and beads. These masks were then rolled over with white paint and printed on black paper. This is called a monoprint because it yields one print. Students then accented these prints with gold paint. We mounted the masks on banana leaf paper and framed them with symmetrical shapes. The students really enjoy making masks- this project was great because students have the print and the yarn mask to keep once finished.