Creating an African mask involves more than just the paper mache process. You first need to visualize the mask based on historical references. This can be easily done by clipping examples of African masks from travel magazines and then producing a color sketch using crayons or markers. For kids, this phase brings out both the educational and creative side. Not only do they learn the history of African masks from travel references, but they also make their own African mask design.
The mask creation process involves basic materials that can be found in any house or at the supermarket. You need a large bowl, water, white school glue, newspaper and masking tape. Crumple up a bunch of newspaper into the rough shape the mask should be. With masking tape you can keep the crumpled newspaper together and stop it from expanding or falling apart again. If one crumpled and taped newspaper ball is not enough, use more to get the general shape, taping them all together to create a temporary bond.
The successful production of paper mache depends on the glue mixture. The adhesion of strips of torn newspaper occurs by soaking them in a half water, half white glue solution. Because the paper strips are torn rather than cut, the mixture soaks in faster making their adhesion more uniform. The crafter applies multiple layers of newspaper strips all over the clumped balls, forming the outer shape of the mask. This takes time and patience, but once the basic mask is created the harder work is done. Once dry, the internal clumped newspaper is removed, leaving a hard mask shell.
With a general mask shape created, you still want to create bumps and protrusions on the mask to give it personality. The features should generally match similar details seen in the travel magazine clippings of African masks. The additional shapes can be added by creating small lumps in strategic locations and then covering them up with wet strips. As the strips dry, they seal in the lump but still retain the general shape beyond the basic mask surface. This allows you to create eyebrows or lips or even ears on the mask.
Once you are done applying strips, wipe off excess glue and allow the mask to dry for one to two days. When it is completely cured, cavities can be cut for the mouth and eyes using a hobby blade or knife. The mask can then be painted with acrylic paints for color and sealed with a final coat of varnish. Care should be taken to match paint colors to those used on authentic African masks. Browns, greens, reds, and yellows are common. These are colors that generally occur naturally from plant dyes and inks native in Africa. To add more flair, beads or feathers can be glued to the mask to give it some final decorative touches similar to real African products.