Research on African Masks

In class, we got to make African masks out of milk jugs. Original African masks varied from tribe to tribe, but were generally made to represent gods and spirits, either an ancestor, mythological hero, or a combination with an animal spirit (1). Commonly seen animals were hawks, crocodiles, and buffalo (2). These different masks were used for ceremonies of different occasions such as initiations, agricultural festivals, rituals for luck, ancestor cults, fertility rites, and other rituals (1).
At times of war, special masks designed to inspire fear were also worn by tribes(2). Some examples of specific masks are:

• Punu Mask: The Punu Mask is associated with the Gabon people and is painted white. This mask represents the spirit of ancestors. The Gabon people used to wear this mask during celebrations and festivals. The use of Punu Masks in the masquerade dance was a common practice.
• Guro Mask: The native people living along the Ivory coast wore this mask. This mask represented the spirit of 'Gu'. A character from tribal mythology, 'Gu' was the wife of a supernatural entity.
• Funeral Mask: The Funeral Mask was used by the Bete and Yoruba people from Africa. The belief/purpose of the Bete people behind wearing these masks was to keep sorcerers, who would possibly cause harm, at bay. As per the Yoruba people of Nigeria, Funeral Masks were believed to embody the spirit of deceased people. It was also believed that the person wearing such masks would be able to speak to the souls of the dead.
• Ngil Mask: People of the 'Fang' tribe wore the Ngil Mask. The mask was used to initiate new members into the male secret society. (3)
  

Masks were made out of a variety of materials such as metal, leather, and fabric, (1) but according to African Tribal art.net, they were mainly crafted with wood and decorated with paints, shells, colored glass, nails, plant fibers, and even horns. Most were just face masks, but some were worn like helmets, and a few were full body "masks." (3) To make a mask, tribes would first ask for guidance, then cut down a tree. They'd wait a couple days for the spirit of that tree to find a new home, then begin carving(4). Spirits can then possess the dancer that's wearing the mask.

African tribes today still use traditional masks, but infrequently. However, they're a rich part of art history. They can be seen in museums, and have inspired artists, namely Picasso. (5)
Making masks in the art classroom can teach symmetry and expression, but also gives an opportunity to integrate their fascinating culture.

1) http://www.mask-and-more-masks.com/masks-of-africa.html
2)http://www.ehow.com/facts_4856201_facts-african-masks.html
3)http://www.buzzle.com/articles/african-masks-history.html
4)http://www.african-tribal-art.net/?page_id=2
5)http://www.theaccidentalartist.com/content/art-history/about-picasso%27s-african-art

Incorporating technology in my classroom

Alright, alright- those last few paragraphs were not very productive, so I decided to post them anyway and start a new post to actually answer the question. :)

I loved the sketchup experience in class. I would definitely use that. I think blogging is a great way to have organized feedback. It'd be fun to post a piece of artwork like an online gallery that the class could respond to. As the book said, you can learn about line, color, shape, etc. through computer resources. On the Art Core Rainbow Chart it gives a link to this awesome website where you can see a super detailed color wheel and play around with hue and intensity or just view analogous colors or complimentary.

I taught a ten year old sunday school class with a power point once and they loved it. It held their attention better, it was animated, they could read info as well as hear it, and it helped me stay organized. For an art class, I could make a fun powerpoint for any principle from color to balance to composition, or even to introduce a project. For any age, kindergarten through high school, utilizing the things you can do with computers is so advantageous to their learning. You can more easily cater to the varied learning styles of your students. However, it's best if it's used in moderation. "That which we obtain too cheaply we esteem to lightly." It's the same with teaching. If I were to pull off an amazing power point display every day, where's the "WOW" factor in that? The novelty of it is gone. Not going to lie- my power point primary lesson was awesome- but I think the main reason for its success was that it was different. It's best to expose your students to a variety of teaching methods to keep their interest, and technology should be a key player.

My little cousin was telling me about the primary colors and what the make when they mix. How'd she know? A computer game. That's so cool! If kids are old enough to work a computer, that sort of game would be a really beneficial asset. Teaching from a traditional standpoint is essential, but so is using stuff like this. You can't have you're students thinking you're an irrelevant, behind-the-times dinosaur.

In my own art experience, I've found computers really helpful in composing pieces. I had an art class when I was maybe eight, and the teacher had a library of art books on tons of subjects. If I wanted to draw a dog, we'd have to go searching for the dog book. In the art class I taught last summer, I'd have a boy say, "I want to draw Indiana Jones," and I could have a reference printed for him in no time at all. I still think a library of art books and magazines is a good thing to have as an art teacher so the kids can actually go through stuff and discover images that appeal to them, but a computer is a vital resource too.

I think it's good to go online to look at art. I had a high school teacher that would read us articles about contemporary artists and show us cool art peices made possible through the wonderful world wide web.

Despite my resentment towards technology at the moment, it is good. It is useful. I could go on about more ways you could incorporate it, but I feel like I'm rambling and I'd rather just refer you to this article- this dear woman has already written it for me in an extremely sensible manner. I'd use every idea she mentions if it fit with my curriculum.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5509292/using_technology_in_the_elementary.html?cat=4

Technology. Oi vey.

Once upon a time Caitlin's computer decided not to turn on. The end. Sad story, right? I lived in the UR lab last week and it's a wonderful place to spend time, but not having my convenient laptop seemed brutal. It made me realize how absolutely dependent on technology I am in many aspects. I wanted to listen to my ipod as I painted but couldn't 'cause it wasn't charged 'cause that's my laptop's job. I wanted to have some tv playing in the background as I worked on some 3-d homework, but I rely on hulu as my source of entertainment. I got behind on making institute posters and wedding invites for people 'cause they were all saved on that blasted device. I wanted to blog last minute at the final hour last week but alas. The time to utilize the on campus labs was past and all roommates were asleep with their own laptops locked up. Dumb.

Well, now that I've whined for a paragraph (sorry, reader), I really did just want to make the point that it's pathetic how much having an indisposed laptop impeded my everyday life. We all rely so much on technology. Such an emphasis is placed upon it. I've had people tell me to quit using messy paint and go completely digital. It's easier. Go into graphic design, it's the only way you'll ever make money. Put down the paint brush, pick up the wacom tablet.

This is all a bit off topic, but let me say this: Technology cannot replace art. Of course it will be a big part of my classroom, but I hope my classroom isn't dependent on gadgetry. Well, that's my rant, but really, I'm just resentful towards computers right now. Let me start over. Focus, Caitlin.