Cut Out + Keep

Culturally Appropriate African Mask

What to do when you're at Goodwill or something and find that tiki or giant Afro-mask without its face on.

https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/culturally-appropriate-african-mask • Posted by Charity M.

I take umbrage when I see mask art meant to depict a certain nationality or ethnicity and it fails hard. ( Ah-hem..Pier 1 imports) If you find yourself in a second hand store and find a kitchy mask that you're trying to talk your self into, take it home and give it a face. Then it won't be shy at all about where comes from and will make great conversation with your guests.

You will need

Project Budget
Reasonably Priced

Time

1 h 00

Difficulty

Nice & Simple
Medium mask after

Description

I take umbrage when I see mask art meant to depict a certain nationality or ethnicity and it fails hard. ( Ah-hem..Pier 1 imports) If you find yourself in a second hand store and find a kitchy mask that you're trying to talk your self into, take it home and give it a face. Then it won't be shy at all about where comes from and will make great conversation with your guests.

Instructions

  1. Small mask before

    Take home super cheap mask of any size from second hand shop of your choice. I scored big time with this one but frankly have seen them a time or two before along side the tiki masks at Ye Olde Goodwill (the devils). Once home go on Pinterest or reference books on the style of design you're hoping to re-create.

  2. Small mask after

    Here I went with something akin to the Tsogo tribe. I used what ever paints I had: water color and acrylic and intend to seal the mask with something in case it rains in my house. :)

  3. Small mask after

    And you're done. Seriously CO&K. Sometimes there aren't more than a couple steps.