Beech class had a very special visitor this week. Tanya Harris, local artist and art educator popped in to speak to the class about the amazing masks found in the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Tutankhamun, Tutankhamon or Tutankhamen, also known as Tutankhaten, was the antepenultimate pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty of ancient Egypt. He ascended to the throne around the age of nine and reigned until his death around the age of nineteen.
The children initially sketched their mask design and then in the art room, started their mask sculpting using cardboard face templates and ModRoc. Modroc (or mod roc) is another name for plaster impregnated bandage, and it can be used to make sculpture by even very young children (who love the messiness!) or by older children/adults who enjoy its versatility. In summary, modroc starts off dry, you then dip it in water and then model with it.
Next week, the children will be completing their masks. Of course we will be photographing the completed designs and adding them to our blog so look out for those coming next Wednesday. For now, here is where we are so far with our creations.