Thomastown West Primary School

Chinese Opera Masks

How To:

Year 5 & 6

• Students explored the importance of theatre in China and the traditional Opera masks worn during a study of Asian Cultures.
• Using the "Masks of Asia" artpack and other resources, students looked at the line, pattern and shapes used and, in particular, the relevance of colour.
• Starting with a basic Papier Mache mask, cardboard was used to extend and create the desired shapes.
• Foil lines were taped on to accentuate facial features.
• The masks were then painted with Vipond paints and metallic markers.
• Students then selected a variety of media to highlight the delicacy or feriocity of the character.
• Suede, leather, Pom Poms, shoelaces, pipe cleaners etc were collaged onto male faces.
• Metallic organza, Pom Poms, paper doilies, beads, sequins, jewels were selected for the female characters.