ARTE PARA TODOS:

El Dia De Los Muertos

Paper Mache Lesson Plan

Masks, called “calacas,” have been worn on the Day of the Dead for decades to symbolize the

nature of the dead and how they feel. While these masks may look scary at rst glance, most depict

the dead as smiling or happy with eloquent and natural designs. In the past, participants and

dancers used careteas, or masks, to scare the dead away at the end of the festivities. But in modern-

day celebrations, people wear skull masks or paint their faces, to represent a deceased loved one or

an expression of themselves in a joyous place after life on Earth.

TEKS Correlations Art: 117.102-117.303

(1A)(1B) The student considers concepts and ideas from direct observation, orig-

inal sources, experiences, and imagination for original artwork and identify and

understand the elements of art, including line, shape, color, texture, form, space,

and value, as the fundamentals of art.

(2A)(2B)(2C) The student integrates ideas drawn from life experiences to create

original works of art; create compositions using the elements of art and princi-

ples of design; and produces modeled forms.

(3A)(3B)(3C)(3D) The student demonstrates an understanding of art history and

culture by analyzing artistic styles, historical periods, and a variety of cultures.

Dia de los Muertos?

Abstract The lesson incorporates the traditions of Dia de los Muertos, a historically

rich tradition that integrates both pre-Columbian and contemporary Mexican

customs. Studends will gain an understanding of and apply traditional paper

mache methods to create their own masks, which is a technique heavily used on

the Day of the Dead for a variety of artwork and props.

Learning Outcomes The student will be able to identify the cultural roots of Day of the Dead as well

as traditonal forms of artistic expression. The student will understand and apply

the principles of design to create their own paper mache mask.

Vocabulary Dia de los Muertos

Veneration

• 1 part our 2 parts water mixture

• White paint or gesso

• Acrylic paint

• Sharpies

• Box cutter or exacto knife

• Elastic or chenille stems for the straps

• Skull mask template

• Masking tape

• Colorful paint, paper, glitter, sequins,

jewels, owers, etc. to adorn.

Lesson Components Use the half skull template provided to make a complete skull image on a paper plate

or cardstock alternative. Cut out eyes, nose, and mouth and tape over the slits after

folding them over, to make the mask 3-dimensional. The sturdier the cardstock or

plate the more structural support your mask will have.

Make paper mache mixture out of 2 parts water and 1 part our in a bowl until

When mask is completely dry and hardened, use scissors or a box cutter to shape the

mask. Draw inspiration from various pre-Columbian skull masks. Paint a base coat

over dried mask, with gesso or white paint.

Decorate your mask with paint and designs, looking to nature and festivals for

inspiration.

Embellish your mask with glitter, owers, etc.

Accomodations Student may need addictional time, review of directions and redirection. Reword

steps or questions in simplied language and allow space for movement or breaks.

Supportive visual or auditory aids. Offer gloves or try a variety of materials if student

has sensory sensitivities to paper mache mixture or paint (e.g., paper, colorful pens or

Resources