How to Carve an African Mask
- 1). Cut the 13-by-11-by-2-inch piece of basswood into a three-dimensional elongated oval using the power jigsaw or manual hacksaw. Shape it with a wider forehead at one end and more narrow chin at the other.
- 2). Smooth the perimeter of the oval with 100-grit sandpaper into a rounded edge all the way around.
- 3). Carve out a 3/4-inch-deep bowl on one side of your mask using your 2-inch wood chisel, leaving about a 1/2-inch lip at the edges of the mask. Work slowly, tapping the chisel with your mallet in controlled movements away from your body, slicing the wood with the chisel blade.
- 4). Use 100-grit sandpaper to smooth out the bowl.
- 5). Flip your mask face up. Measure 3 inches from the top and 1 inch on either side, and draw two almond-shaped eyes. Below that draw a long nose and below the nose draw a small mouth.
- 6). Carve out the mask's eyes, nose and mouth using a 1/2-inch wood chisel. If you intend to wear your mask, carve small slits through the wood in the middle of the eyes. You can carve either protruding or indented features.
- 7). Drill small holes on either side of the mask, perpendicular to the eyes, if you intend to wear the mask. Tie an elastic band through both holes to hold the mask on your face.
- 8). Embellish your mask with deep accents around the eyes, nose and mouth or marks on the forehead and cheeks using a wood branding iron.
- 9). Smooth out any rough spots with the 100-grit sandpaper.
- 10
Coat your mask with linseed oil, wiping off the excess with a dry cloth. Let it dry overnight. You can also paint or stain your mask but use colors sparingly for an authentic look.
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