JATAKA TALES AND THE MASK

Assignment Summary: (4 - 5 days) For the week you will start a study of Buddhism by focusing on Jataka Tales. Each Tale has a message from the many lifetimes of the Bodhisattva before becoming the Buddha, the Enlightened one. You will also examine the importance and influence of oral tradition through folklore, legends and ballads. For this project, you will create a mask that will depict a particular Jataka Tale, specifically detailing its moral message on the mask.

Purpose: To provide a clear and accurate understanding of a specific Jataka Tale and its unique moral message. To understand that the wisdom can be connected to today's world.

Student’s Role: You are an expert on a particular Jataka Tale’s theme. You will exhibit your understanding of the lesson learned by the Buddha in order to attain enlightenment.

Audience: Your class and teacher

Form: You will create a mask depicting a specific Jataka Tale. The mask will include a description of the story with the use of symbols. More importantly, the mask will also include the moral message and wisdom of the tale as well as the lesson learned by the Buddha in order to attain enlightenment.

Focus Correction Areas –Mask:

1. Mask is creative and pertinent. For example if the Bodhisattva is shown in the form of a monkey, then the mask must be of a monkey face. Mask clearly represents the Jataka story. (20)
2. Mask includes at least 4 symbols or graphics specific to the story’s message. (40)
3. Mask exhibits lesson the Buddha learned to attain enlightenment. (40)

Procedure:

Mask:

Create mask following these steps:

1. Create a cast of your face using the mask kit distributed in class. Read the directions and do not wait until the last minute. You want your mask to have plenty of drying time. Before applying the gauze, cover eye sockets and eyebrows with wet paper towel. This will allow pain free and easy removal of the cast.
2. Write your first and last name in pen on the inside of the mask. Your name must be legible.
3. Bring the mask to school, along with three empty egg cartons, an aluminum can, an old newspaper, and a large plastic trash bag. Be sure to bring in an old t-shirt or painting smock for painting in school. Make sure your name is on the clothing.
4. Bring at least 3 paintbrushes of different sizes to school for painting. If you do not have paintbrushes at home, ask a friend to share his/her paintbrushes.
5. Brainstorm ideas for the mask. What symbols do you want to use for accurate depiction? Be creative and strive for uniqueness. What aspect of the Jataka Tale do you want to emphasize.
6. Draw an illustration of your ideas on plain white paper. Experiment with color and placement of symbols. A completed illustration must be present before starting project.
7. Paint will be issued in class. Do not contaminate the primary colors. You must wash your brush before dipping into another color. If you decide to create a new color, be sure not to double dip. This will waste paint and waste money spent on this project. Take your time and experiment with the color wheel before starting the actual painting of your mask.
8. Be sure to clean up your workspace in school and at home. Use your time wisely, clean your area, and work diligently. Meet the due date.
9. Be sure to include an index card with pertinent information for a display. At the top left corner of the card, please type the generalized theme depicted on the mask. Describe each of the 4 symbols chosen for the mask. All information should be typed in Helvetica , size 9.
10. Be prepared to share your Jataka Tale and mask representation with the class.