Mexican Masks
Explore the native Huichol social-cultural system and create replicas of beaded Huichol masks.
1. Explore electronic and traditional resources to investigate the Huichol culture in Mexico. Research the shape and design of traditional Huichol masks. Share information about Huichol customs, contemporary spiritual practices, and mask designs with classmates and teachers.
2. Mold Crayola® Model Magic® into a replica of a traditional Huichol mask. Use Crayola Scissors to cut eye and mouth holes. Shape and trim the modeling compound with craft sticks.
3. Design mask patterns with Crayola Washable Markers, using a stippling technique of individual dots to imitate glass beads. Make designs bright and symmetric by gently pressing washable markers into Model Magic. Add finishing touches after masks dry 24 hours.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
Crayola Modeling Materials including Crayola Model Magic®, and Model Magic Fusion™, Crayola Air-Dry Clay, and Crayola Dough—
- Keep away from open flames. Do not use to make candleholders, hot plates, trivets, or other similar objects that will be used or placed near fire and other heat sources.
- Do not put in an oven, microwave, or kiln.
- Do not make into vessels/containers that will hold unpackaged food.
- The use of modeling material to make items that look like food is discouraged for children younger than age 5 to avoid their confusion with real food.
- Unless sealed with a water-resistant glaze, do not make projects exposed to or immersed in water, such as boats or outdoor bird feeders. They would disintegrate when exposed to moisture.
- Crayola Dough—contains gluten (wheat flour) as an ingredient.
- Crayola Air-Dry Clay, Crayola Model Magic and Model Magic Fusion are gluten-free. However, they are produced on the same machinery as Crayola Dough which does contain gluten. Although the machines are cleaned prior to the start of each production run, there is a slight possibility that trace amounts of gluten from Crayola Dough may be present in the other modeling compound products. For information regarding specific ingredients or allergic concerns, please call our Consumer Affairs department at 1-800-272-9652 weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Standard Time.
Modeling Tools—Use the least dangerous point or edge sufficient to do the job. For example, craft sticks, plastic knives and forks, and cookie cutters can cut or carve modeling materials.
Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.
Wood—By its nature, wood is rough and may contain splinters or sharp points
- Instead of stippling dots, use small beads similar to those embedded by Huichol mask makers. Or roll small bits of colored Model Magic® into beads, then embed in the damp mask.
- Research other mask-making cultures and design representative masks. Compare the designs and cultural significance of masks. Display masks and reports in a school mask gallery.
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