African Mask Drawing Lesson For Beginners

African Mask Drawing Lesson

Traditions related to mask wearing can be found all over the world, and dating back thousands of years. Today we are going to learn how to make an African mask drawing. Because the masks of African cultures are by far the most interesting, in my opinion.

When I was studying art history I started learning about African traditions and the many different types of masks that were part of their celebrations and ceremonies. It was truly fascinating.

African masks were not intended to be used as decorations or as art. They have a specific purpose and use. Unlike how we use masks today, African cultures use masks in a much more serious way.

What Are the Purposes of African Masks

African masks were often used in rituals to ensure a good harvest. They were used for ancestor worship during funerals and burial ceremonies.

African masks were also used in fertility ceremonies and for connecting to the spirit world. As you can see there are many different uses for masks in the African cultures.

What Are the Types of African Masks?

There are six types of African masks among their cultures. Not all masks are worn as face coverings that are worn on the front of the face. Below are the different basic mask types.

Helmet Masks – fits over the entire head like a helmet.

Forehead Masks – sits on top of the head. The face would usually be covered by a piece of fabric.

Face Masks – typically human or animal that covers the front of the face.

Helmet Crest Masks – worn on the top of the head with the face not covered.

Shoulder Masks – sit on top of the head and cover the top of the body as well.

Headdress Masks – human or animal figures mounted to a base that sit on top of the head.

What Do Colors Mean On African Masks

Some masks are painted, but others are just the natural wood color. Throughout history, many cultures used color to express meaning. African masks are commonly seen with just the natural wood color.

Really old masks can be seen with red, black, orange, white, and brown. In more recent years blue and green are also used.

Black is for unity. Red is for life and blood. Green is for earth. Gold is fortune. Blue is for innocence. White represents the spirit world.

However, you should keep in mind that colors can have different meanings in different cultures. These aren’t hard and fast rules.

Now that we’ve covered a bit of background and history, let’s move onto the African mask drawing lesson by looking at some basic supplies.

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Art Supplies

Save Time with Artist Trading Cards

African Mask Drawing Step by Step for Beginners

Like with all of our lessons, we like to start out by drawing some basic shapes and guidelines.

Since we’re doing an African mask drawing today, and it’s basically just a human face, we can start by laying out our guides like a standard face drawing.

Your overall shape can be more round or an oval shape like I have here.

Then divide it down the center to help keep things symmetrical. And add some lines to indicate where the eyes, nose, and mouth will go.

Next, draw the eyes. You can draw them opened or closed. Big or small. Round or almond shaped.

There are many different ways to draw the eyes for your African mask. Make them however you think looks best. Or simply experiment and have fun.

Just keep in mind that the masks are carved out of wood so the detail will be a bit rough.

Now start drawing the nose. You can begin by drawing out the eyebrows or start with the nose itself.

Again, keep in mind your drawing something that’s carved out of wood.

Move onto drawing the mouth next. There are many different ways to do this as well.

If you do your drawings on artist trading cards it helps keep the drawing time down so you can make more than one. This allows you a bit more freedom to experiment and try different things.

Add some details to the ears. They can be kept pretty simple for this type of drawing.

Now finish off the rest of the details in the drawing. Look at some photos of African masks for ideas on how to make your drawing.

African Mask Outline

When you are finished with your drawing you can use a thin marker or pen to outline your African mask drawing. I normally use a black outlining pen for my drawings but used brown this time.

How thick or thin you make your outline is a matter of personal preference. You can vary your line weight to make your drawing look a bit more interesting.

Or you can keep them the same thickness. Again, experimenting is a great way to develop your artistic style and figure out what you like.

African Mask Drawing with Markers

I love using markers for my artwork but there are a lot of other suitable options as well.

To choose your colors you may want to look for some reference photos. Or you could stick with browns and earth tones to be safe.

Although the masks were made out of wood, some of them were painted as well. But the color palette was limited.

Of course you can do whatever you want. Your art, your choice.

I stuck with some different brown markers for the mask itself.

Highlights were added using a white Gelly Roll pen.

And then some blue was added for the background.