YOUR TURN: the Elephant Mask
Animal Madness
The Bamileke people wear the elephant mask with leopard spots in
ceremonies
to inspire respect for their rulers.
Make a mask for a president, governor, or
mayor to wear. What animals would you include to show
that they are
- powerful?
- wise?
- kind?
Use these ideas to make your own mask for royalty or for a
special person in your community. Use a paper plate or posterboard as
your base.
Add features from the animals that you wish to include. For example,
the large eyes of an owl could represent wisdom. Use
colors that you feel represent the respect that is felt for the
wearer of your mask. Decide when your mask would be worn and
what the costume worn with it will look like.
Introduction
To Inspire Respect For Royalty
To Celebrate A Good Harvest
To Teach Young Women
To Seek Protection and Honor Ancestors