From almost as early in history as man stood on two legs people have been making masks. Masks of worship, masks for special occasions, masks to hide behind and masks for decoration are all a rich part of most cultures in the world. Many masks are human in form; others depict animals, or spirits. Interestingly enough most masks either depict strong emotion or no emotion at all. Here we look at just a few of the ways you can make your own masks, for whatever reason. Some are suitable for young children; others may take more of the skill of an adult.

Carved Wooden Masks

In nearly every part of the world masks have been fashioned by wood. From the simplest carvings out of a dead hollowed tree to finely detailed and intricate masterpieces. Some masks have even been carved from something as small as a walnut. Even kids can have fashioning a wee face from a soft acorn with their fingernails. There are also fine examples of huge oversized masks carved from wood, which are more like full sculptures than masks. For a serious wooden carving you will need wood and carving tools. The most effective masks are those that originate from a curved piece of wood, and incorporate its natural grains.

Ceramic Masks

There are some beautiful examples of miniature ceramic masks particularly from Mexico and South America. These designs often use interesting facial expressions with accessories such as hair added on after firing. You can try out your own using either firing clay or an air dry clay. Use dark terracotta for an earthy South American feel, or go for white and paint them later.

Metal Masks

This takes more than a little skill. Usually the mask will be molded and carved in wax or clay first. A cast is then taken and a mold made such as in bronze casting. An expensive exercise but this method can give stunning results. Beaten and heated copper masks can also be really effective.

Let us take a quick look though at some of the simpler methods of mask masking that even a beginner can have fun with.

Paper Mache

This is probably the easiest of all materials to work with. All you need is a base to build on, and there are many choices available for that.

The balloon is an old favorite, and is also great for a base for ceramic masks. Put Vaseline or some other release medium on your balloon and build a face from there. Eyebrows, noses, horns, chins can all be added by either using more layers of Paper Mache or by using cardboard and masking tape and then layering over. Trim the edges then paint and varnish when done. If the mask is intended to be worn, eyeholes should be cut out with a craft knife after about 4 layers, and then evened out in the final layers (6-10 in all). If using clay, features can be either built in or carved out.

Other things that make a useful base for either clay or Paper Mache masks are:

Pre-bought plastic faces – great for cut-away half-masks

Free form wire netting – this is a great way for weird monstrous masks

Take a plaster cast of your own or someone else’s face using plaster dressings (be sure to use protective cream and leave room for breathing through the nostrils).

Whatever your age or ability, masks are exciting, creative and full of character. Stop hiding behind that mask. Let the real you out and go create something.

Jonathan Pitts

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