Teachers’ Notes
Asian Studies
Indonesian mask: (W yang T openg) (Wy Topeng) Time Required - This activity is a long term project and will take a minimum of 5 lessons of at least 40 minutes. Materials and Equipment
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Teachers will need to collect most of the materials for this activity. The requirements are listed on the student page that follows. Balloons make an excellent mould, especially if not over-inflated (face size only). Hanging them upside down by the string to dry, gives a more face-like shape. A useful glue for papier mâché is made from flour and boiling water as it is cheap and easy to clean up. However, it doesn't keep well! Students can be asked to bring this glue from home, along with any materials for special features (e.g. fake jewels, horse hair).
Suggested Lesson FFormat ormat
Lesson 1 1. INVESTIGATE the topic. (Art of Indonesia by Tibor Brodrogi [Academy Editions] has excellent photographs. See below for examples of Indonesian stories.) Take care to use only Indonesian stories with Indonesian masks or offence may be taken. 2. Set the challenge and brainstorm ideas. Distribute ‘Background Information’ sheet which includes construction tips. 3. Students use ‘Working Drawings’ sheet to DEVISE their plan. Lesson 2 (an hour if possible) 1. Assemble materials and begin PRODUCTION (Papier mâché base of 6 layers). 2. Allow at least 2 days for masks to dry. Lesson 3 1. Cut holes necessary for features such as eyes and mouth. (Power scissors are ideal for this. If these are not available use of craft knives must be carefully supervised or undertaken by an adult as considerable force may be necessary.) 2. Produce features such as the nose and lips. Neaten all raw edges with overlapping paper. 3. Allow at least 2 days to dry. Lesson 4 1. Smooth rough edges with sandpaper and paint mask. 2. Allow paint to dry before producing any additional details. Lesson 5 1. Complete PRODUCTION. Attach elastic to hold mask to face. 2. Varnish mask if desired and allow to dry. 3. Students use the ‘How Good Was Your Design?’ sheet to EVALUATE their design.
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o c . che e r o t r s s r u e p Extension A ctivities Activities Work in a small group to make up a ‘mask’ play to perform to the class.
Resour ces (also see Lesson I above) Resources “The Story of Ramayana” in Indonesia Lisa Hill Harcourt Brace Javanovich
“Golden Cucumber and the Hermit” and other stories Favourite Stories - Indonesia Margurite Seik Heineman, Asia
Folktales From Asia Selected by Michael Collins Bookshelf Ready-Ed Publications
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