How Do You Make Clay African Masks?
Clay African masks are a popular wall or desk decoration, instantly bringing a feel of Africa (via the modernist art tradition known as primitivism) to any space. It is an involved process, but, with the right tools and a little time, you can create your own. Create your mask form. This can be anything –for instance, a piece of cardboard or Styrofoam that you have cut and bent into the shape of your mask. African masks are by and large flat or gently sloping, as they do not realistically represent the human face. Select a lump of clay and work with it by rolling it in your hands. Clay becomes more receptive to molding as you work with it, so take your time. Roll your clay out thin, about one-half centimeter or less. Thin projects fire best, as they crack less often in the kiln. Lay your clay over your mask form and cut away excess. Using scoring tools, carve your design into the clay. Be careful not to cut all the way through unless you want to cut out a detail such as eyes or mouth.
