Help me give my students a chance to explore their own identity through traditional African masks! With these tools, they will learn the meaning behind African masks and have a chance to make their own.
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Project
"Behind the Mask" is a two-semester project for the AP African American Studies class. Our project aims to delve into the rich tapestry of African culture while simultaneously providing a platform for students to explore and express their own identities through art.
Students will learn to identify the masks they wear each day and trade masks of shame for masks of power as they embark on a journey through various African cultures, examining the symbolism, materials, and techniques used in mask-making.
The project begins with an in-depth exploration of traditional African masks, which hold profound cultural and spiritual significance across the continent. This exploration will foster an appreciation for the diversity of African traditions and the role of masks within them. Students will then create their own traditional African mask from papier-mache, drawing inspiration from their research as they incorporate authentic design elements into their creations.
The second phase of the project shifts focus to personal identity. Guided by introspective prompts and discussions about African American history, students will reflect on their own backgrounds, experiences, and values that shape who they are as individuals. Armed with newfound insights, students will then embark on the creation of a second mask—one that reflects their own identity and the masks they wear, inspired by the poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar. This mask serves as a canvas for self-expression, allowing students to translate their innermost thoughts and emotions into tangible form.
Through this project, students will not only gain a deeper appreciation for African art and culture, but also develop a greater understanding of themselves and their peers. By bridging the gap between tradition and personal expression, we hope to foster empathy, dialogue, and mutual respect within our diverse community.
15 Drawer Rolling Storage Cart, Mobile Utility Cart with Lockable Wheels, Drawers, Multipurpose Organizer Cart for Home, Office, School, Mixed Color
• Amazon Business
$89.99
1
$89.99
Papier-Mâché Mask Classroom Set of 30
• Nasco
$50.00
1
$50.00
Shuttle Art Acrylic Paint, 50 Colors Acrylic Paint Set, 2oz/60ml Bottles, Rich Pigments, Water Proof, Premium Acrylic Paints for Artists, Beginners and Kids on Canvas Rocks Wood Ceramic Fabric
• Amazon Business
$42.98
1
$42.98
Crayola Paintbrush Variety Classpack, School Supplies, 36 Large Paint Brushes For Kids, Assorted
• Amazon Business
$34.99
1
$34.99
SATINIOR 120 Pcs Mardi Gras Paper Mache Art Masks DIY Blank Masquerade Mask Half Paintable Face Mardi Gras Mask for Party
• Amazon Business
$31.99
1
$31.99
NAWOD 35 Premium Acrylic Paint Marker Pens, Double Pack of Both Extra Fine and Medium Tip, for Rock Painting, Mug, Ceramic, Glass, Wood, Fabric, Canvas, Metal, Pumpkin, DIY Crafts Making Art Supplies
• Amazon Business
$25.99
1
$25.99
Elmer's Craftbond Hot Glue Gun - Mini Size, High Temp, 10W
• Blick Art Materials
$6.85
3
$20.55
Creativity Street Spotted Guinea Feathers - Assorted Colors, Bag of Approx 600 pieces
• Blick Art Materials
$16.59
1
$16.59
Crayola Air-Dry Clay - Bucket, 5 lb, White
• Blick Art Materials
$11.74
1
$11.74
Creativity Street Natural Feather Assortment - 1/2 oz
• Blick Art Materials
$6.59
1
$6.59
Surebonder Cool Shot Mini Glue Gun Glue Sticks - Pkg of 40
• Blick Art Materials
$6.17
1
$6.17
1200 Pcs Acrylic Flatback Rhinestones,12 Different Shape Gems for DIY Craft Jewels Gemstone Wedding Birthday Decoration (6-13mm) (Acrylic)
• Amazon Business
$5.99
1
$5.99
Materials cost
$343.57
Vendor shipping charges
$5.00
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$5.15
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$383.72
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$67.72
Total project goal
$451.44
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$451.44
1 Donor
-$25.00
Donations toward project cost
-$21.25
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$3.75
Happy Planner match offer
-$25.00
Match offer toward project cost
-$21.25
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Key and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
