Oaxacan (Papier Mache) Sculpture
Create a free standing figure that you will paint to
look like an oaxacan wood carving.
Essential Questions you will be able to answer at the end of the unit:
What are Oaxacan Wood Carvings and what is their cultural relevance?
What is the history of papier mache?
How do you build a sculpture using papier mache?
Oaxacan Wood Carving
Oaxaca, pronounced (Wa-HAH-ka) is one of the Mexico's largest and poorest states, yet its folk art and traditions are among the richest. Unsurpassed for their originality, colors and wizardry, Oaxacan wood carvings have become a prized folk art. They are created by the Zapotec Indians who live in the Oaxaca Valley, located in the southern part of Mexico. These figures of wood were for the most part just toys. Imagine your parents making your toys for you!
The wood carving techniques and artistic capacity of the Zapotec Indians are legendary, honed over hundreds of generations. Each of the wooden sculptures are hand-carved from the wood of the Copal (or Copillo) tree. Each piece is hand-sanded and painted in bright and exciting motifs. The majority of the carvings are called Alebrijes.
http://www.alltherest.com/wood.htm
http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/fil/pages/listoaxacandi.html|
http://www.oaxacanwoodcarving.com/gallery.html
Materials: armature (egg cartons, masking tape, wire), newspaper, art paste, acrylic paint, brushes
Steps:
- Examine Oaxacan Wood Carvings (see websites listed above) and papier mache techniques.
- As a group member, read about one area in the history of papier mache and write 3 comprehension questions others will answer as a quiz. http://users.belgacom.net/papier-mache/
http://home.eol.ca/~props/papier.html
Write questions and answers neatly on the bottom of this paper. - Sketch your ideas for your sculpture in your sketchbook.
- Build an armature.
- Wrap with papier mache. (thick)
- Let dry. Paint.
