LOIS MAILOU JONES - AFRICAN MASKS
National Museum of African Art - Collections
Traditional African Mask Examples
Adinkra Meanings and Symbols
Patterns in African Masks
The style of an African Mask
Traditional African Mask Examples
Adinkra Meanings and Symbols
Patterns in African Masks
The style of an African Mask
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BIG IDEA: Create a composition and African mask in the style of Lois Mailou Jones
KEY KNOWLEDGE:
KEY KNOWLEDGE:
- Learn about the origins of African masks and Adrinkra symbolism and Lois Mailou Jones
- Discover how symbolism is communicated through art
- Practice using symmetry, patterns and contrast
EXAMPLES OF LOIS MAILOU JONES ARTWORK BELOW:
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Although she started her career as a textile designer, Lois Mailou Jones shifted to painting and gained critical acclaim during the 1930s and 1940s in Paris. In general, she was very drawn to Africa and the Caribbean, inspired by the Harlem Renaissance and her numerous voyages, and so as an effect, her paintings were among the first ones by an African-American artist to move away from portraiture. Throughout her life, she was also active as an educator, while producing artwork until her death at the age of ninety-two.
REQUIREMENTS - ACTIVITY #1 & #2
BELOW: Student Examples
- Explore the lesson and research the above links to inspire you.
- Read the biography of Lois Mailou Jones and the brief history on masks and Adrinkra symbols.
- Answer 3 of the 8 questions below of your choice.
- Historically speaking, why were masks created and used in Africa?
- Who created Adrinkra symbols?
- What do Adrinkra symbols communicate?
- What is your favorite Adrinkra symbol and why?
- If you were to create your own symbol to represent yourself what would it look like? Describe what your symbol represents.
- What did Jones do as a career besides painting and where did she work?
- Where was Jones influenced to create African art and also help further her career as an artist.
- Why do you think Jones explored African art and culture?
BELOW: Student Examples
REQUIREMENTS - ACTIVITY #3: Influenced by the art of Lois Mailou Jones, design an African mask and composition using a combination of ideas taken from other masks and incorporate Adinkra symbols. There are many examples on the following pages.
Requirements: Use a medium of your choice. Can be in black and white.
Your mask design should demonstrate:
Requirements: Use a medium of your choice. Can be in black and white.
Your mask design should demonstrate:
- The influence of artist Lois Mailou Jones
- Patterns and symbols
- Symmetry
MASKS have been used since antiquity for ceremonial, spiritual, theatrical, and practical purposes throughout multiple cultures and continents. Visually and aesthetically speaking, masks will differ not only from culture to culture, but also in the intended purpose of each mask.
Historically, in Africa, masks are created for a variety of reasons such as religious ceremonies as a way to conjure or communicate with spirits or ancestors. In a traditional African setting African masks were created to be worn and danced on special occasions such as harvest, funerals, or holidays, rather than displayed on the walls of a museum.
DESIGNING YOUR OWN MASK: When creating your mask consider craftsmanship and your attention to details to create a quality work of art. Consider the emotional impact your mask will evoke. Will it be humorous, grotesque, fantastical, delicate, beautiful? Look at masks from different cultures for inspiration. Consider your own interests and how they may be used to personalize your mask. Or consider how your mask could convey a message about the times in which we live.
Historically, in Africa, masks are created for a variety of reasons such as religious ceremonies as a way to conjure or communicate with spirits or ancestors. In a traditional African setting African masks were created to be worn and danced on special occasions such as harvest, funerals, or holidays, rather than displayed on the walls of a museum.
DESIGNING YOUR OWN MASK: When creating your mask consider craftsmanship and your attention to details to create a quality work of art. Consider the emotional impact your mask will evoke. Will it be humorous, grotesque, fantastical, delicate, beautiful? Look at masks from different cultures for inspiration. Consider your own interests and how they may be used to personalize your mask. Or consider how your mask could convey a message about the times in which we live.
Traditional African Mask Designs:
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Contemporary Mask Designs by Artist Kenal Louis
Student Mask Examples:
Adinkra Symbols:
Through the years, Adrinkra symbols tell a story to express thoughts or feelings. The Adinkra symbols and their profound meanings have survived to date. They are closely tied to the traditions, beliefs, and history of the Asante people of Ghana. Nana Kwadwo Agyeman Adinkra, a Gyaman King, was the one who created and designed these symbols and called them after himself.
They also serve as a shorthand that is used to communicate profound truths in a clear visual form and represent famous proverbs and maxims. They also record historical events, express specific behaviors or attitudes related to unique concepts, and depict figures that are related to abstract shapes.
Through the years, Adrinkra symbols tell a story to express thoughts or feelings. The Adinkra symbols and their profound meanings have survived to date. They are closely tied to the traditions, beliefs, and history of the Asante people of Ghana. Nana Kwadwo Agyeman Adinkra, a Gyaman King, was the one who created and designed these symbols and called them after himself.
They also serve as a shorthand that is used to communicate profound truths in a clear visual form and represent famous proverbs and maxims. They also record historical events, express specific behaviors or attitudes related to unique concepts, and depict figures that are related to abstract shapes.
Drawing Masks "step by step" Examples from Art Projects for Kids: