Unit(s): Theatre History (primitive cultures)
Purpose:
To learn the use of masks in primitive rituals and, through creating masks, to imagine the significance of theatrical elements such as masks, costume, dance, music and mimicry in ritual ceremonies.
Objective:
After studying primitive myths and the purpose of masks in rituals, students will create masks for imaginary gods and rituals and present them to the class.
Materials:
- Information on primitive cultures, myths, masks and rituals (see attached hand-out as an example)
- Large paper grocery sacks (without printing on at least one side)
- Color* markers or crayons (avoid contemporary colors like "neon" tones, etc.)
- Pipe cleaners, thin paper-covered wire which comes on spools
- Things to glue on masks: wooden or glass beads, natural-colored feathers (white, gray, brown, black, etc.), construction paper, gold or silver sequins, felt squares in sky or earth tones
- Hot glue guns and glue sticks (for rapid gluing)
- Scissors
*Many colors can be found in nature, but help students limit choices to those colors primitive peoples might use from natural sources (stone, wood, minerals, plants, animals, etc.)
Procedure:
- Read and discuss information about primitive peoples and their rituals.
- Note that masks were used in rituals to assist in an expected outcome (e.g. successful hunt, rainfall, etc.), not primarily for entertainment.
- Divide students into groups of 3 or 4.
- Give each group 1 sack and distribute equitable amounts of materials (as their designs take shape they may trade materials).
- Ask each group to create a mask for use in a ritual, identifying the figure represented by the mask, which could be human (like the prototype for a "bride" or "warrior") or a god (such as "sun" or "the hunt" or something completely imaginary). They should also name the figure represented by the mask.
- Set-up a station for the teacher to supervise use of the glue guns (caution students about the heat of guns and glue) and have groups take turns using them.
- Allow 2 class periods to design and create the masks.
- Ask groups to present their masks to the class.
- Identify the figure represented and the ritual in which the mask would be used.
Optional:
- Have the class vote on masks, noting the most powerful, beautiful, frightening, etc.
- Have groups present the mask within a ritual ceremony. They may perform with musical rhythm instruments, dance movement, and chanting.
Ceremonial masks developed from the belief of many primitive societies that gods controlled the forces of nature. Dancers at various ceremonies wore masks that represented these gods. A mask made its wearer unrecognizable, and so he seemed to almost lose his identity and become the spirit itself. When these ceremonial dancers wore such masks, the people believed that the gods were actually present. If people wore a mask that represented a certain spirit, the powers of that spirit supposedly remained for many generations. After the wearer of the mask died, another man took his place in wearing it.
Many Indian tribes of North America used masks in their ceremonies. . . . to heal the sick. . . . performers visited villages and were often escorted by male clowns . . . who wore masks made of braided corn husks. Adults welcomed the masked visitors, but most of the children became terrified.
. . . . They wore . . . masks in ceremonies honoring certain animals. Many of these masks actually consisted of two or three masks. The outer mask of a double mask--or two outer masks of a triple mask--represented a bird or some other animal. The outer mask could be folded back, revealing a mask of a human face. Such masks are related to the belief that some human beings had the power to change into animals and back again. This belief was common among many societies.
Some peoples in New Guinea, West Africa, the Amazon region of South America, and the southwestern United States still use masks in spiritual ceremonies. For example, the Hopi Indians of Arizona have special ceremonies in which male dancers wear masks that represent their ancestors of certain gods. The people believe the ceremonies bring visits from these beings, who appear in the form of spirits called Kachinas. Kachinas produce rain, make corn grow, and sometimes whip young boys and girls who are about to be formally initiated into adulthood. The masks are also called Kachinas.
Some primitive peoples wore grotesque masks when they went to war. They believed that the appearance of these masks, which represented their gods, would frighten the enemy.