Pacific Northwest Haida Masks

Third grade students were read the story Whisper from the Woods by Victoria Wirth and A. Scott Banfill.  Afterward, they held a discussion regarding the concept of spirits that occupy living things in Native American traditions.

Students were provided with examples of animal spirits and their roles in the Haida tribe of the Pacific Northwest.  They examined authentic masks made by the tribe and discussed their purpose.  Using this knowledge, students chose an animal and created a mask using biodegradable paper maché forms and materials as well as “found objects”.

Using found objects in art enables the artist to diversify their mediums to include non-traditional materials and eliminates the amount of waste placed in landfills.

Students used feathers, pine cones, beads, and rafia to embellish their masks.