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How to Make a Greek Medieval Mask

Greek theater was performed in large, open-air amphitheater settings. Costumes were designed to be exaggerated versions of normal garments, so that all audience members could see the actors from afar. Traditionally, masks were worn with exaggerated expressions to help portray the character the actor was playing. Made from linen or cork, the masks were shaped to help amplify the voices of the actors throughout the large theater. When making Greek medieval masks at home, gauze and paper mache are the perfect linen substitute and can be made directly onto the actor's face, or on a head-shaped object like a balloon.

Things You'll Need

  • Headband
  • Plaster gauze strips
  • Paper towel
  • Paper mache mash
  • Clay tools
  • Paintbrushes
  • Beige paint
  • Drill
  • Leather cording
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Push the headband taut against your partner's head and pull any hair back away from the face. Tell your partner to freeze her desired mask expression on her face to form fit the plaster gauze to her contours.

    • 2

      Dampen a paper towel sheet with warm water. Squeeze out excess water and place the paper towel over the face to prevent plaster gauze from getting on the face.

    • 3

      Dip a strip of plaster gauze into warm water and squeeze out excess water. Drape the plaster gauze over the face, smoothing over the contours of the face. Repeat until the face has been covered, leaving the holes of the eyes and mouth expression.

    • 4

      Remove the plaster gauze mask and paper towel from the face. Throw the paper towel away and let the mask dry completely.

    • 5

      Add paper mache mash to the dry mask to build upon the facial features, highlighting the cheekbones and brow-bones. Use the clay tools to manipulate the paper mache mash to include any other face sculpting, like wrinkles, lips, eyelids, beards and hair. Let dry completely.

    • 6

      Paint the mask an all-over stone, beige color. Let dry completely.

    • 7

      Drill two holes into the mask, one at each ear area. Cut two lengths of leather cording and tie them onto the ear holes. Use the leather ties to hold the mask on the head.

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