Mask Dancing Ceremonies

1. Objectives Learn and develop an understanding of the art of other cultures through design and stories Finding out and designing West African forms of art Improve coordination Understanding colours in the arts of other cultures Create narratives from mood using, feel, gestures, poise and space
2. Programme History of West African masks (with references to Gombey and Jonkunno) A look at West African masks - materials and symbolisms Stories about masks from Sierra Leone, Guinea, Nigeria, Bermuda and Jamaica Comparison between Heraldry, Scottish Clans and West African Secret Societies Collect information during the workshop and develop them for the performance Drumming workshops Mask making and Dancing workshops
3. Workshops
   1. Mask making
      • Designing and decorating masks
      • Developing stories for a mock mask festival
   2. Mask dancing
      • Narratives of the what the mask represents using shapes, turns, travel and mood
      • Responding to drum rhythm for movements
   3. Drumming
      • Rhythms and improvisation
      • Compositions
4. Performance and presentation
   • Presentation of all the information gathered during the course of the programme
   • Mask dance performance to drums or recorded music
5. Criteria
   • Age Range - 6 and above (programme will be adapted)
   • Group Size - Whole Class
   • Duration - Open to discussion
6. Resources
   • Card, raffia or string, paint, scissors, empty boxes, pulses, drinking straws
7. Follow-up
   • Mathematical shapes and sizes of patterns and masks.