Buzz
Recreate this iconic masterpiece using materials commonly found in your home
King Tutankhamun is renowned for his ascension to pharaoh at a young age, as well as his intricate death mask. When pondering ancient Egypt and mummies, the splendid gold mask adorned with a blue and gold headdress often springs to mind first. While fashioning a solid gold face mask may be impractical (not to mention costly!), crafting a similar version at home using supplies from your local craft store is entirely achievable!
Instructions
Constructing the Foundation
Purchase a plastic face mask. Opt for a plain mask that covers your entire face. While eye holes are acceptable, ensure the mouth area remains closed. The mask may be colored, but it must possess a smooth surface devoid of texture or decorations.
- These masks are readily available in arts and crafts stores as well as party supply outlets.
Position the facial covering onto a piece of thin cardboard. Ensure the cardboard extends approximately 12 inches (30.5 centimeters) beyond the facial covering on all sides. Allow for more space at the bottom than at the top.
Sketch the headgear around the facial covering. Begin by outlining the facial covering. Then, draw the outline of Tutankhamun's headgear around it, curving above the forehead and extending below the shoulders.
- Refer to images of Tutankhamun's funerary mask for guidance.
Trim out the headgear. Start by cutting out the entire headgear. Then, cut the gap between the shoulder sections followed by the inner oval.
Attach the facial covering to the headgear. Position the facial covering back onto the headgear. Use small strips of masking tape to attach the facial covering to the cardboard. Flip the assembly over and secure the rear with additional tape. Alternatively, affix the facial covering to the headgear using hot glue.
Enhancing the Details
Shape two semi-ovals for the ears. Create an oval shape of similar size to your own ear using cardboard or craft foam—color isn't crucial. Then, divide the oval in half to produce two ears.
Attach the ears to the mask. Position the ears between the nose and eyes, with the straight edge facing forward and the curved edge against the headpiece. For a more lifelike appearance, angle the ears slightly against the mask, ensuring the straight edge touches the mask's side and the curved edge touches the headpiece.
- Hot glue can also be used for this step.
- Ensure masking tape is utilized.
Adhere a narrow strip of craft foam for the base of the crown. Cut a strip of craft foam measuring 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in width, long enough to span from one side of the mask's forehead to the other. Secure the strip to the forehead using masking tape or hot glue, aligning it with the tops of the ears.
Shape a cobra and a vulture head from paper clay. Refer to images of Tutankhamun's mask for guidance. Begin with a coil of clay for each, then shape the coils into an approximate S-shape. Mold a beak for the vulture and a hood for the cobra using your fingers. Add eyes using a toothpick, pen, pencil, or similar pointed object. Allow the pieces to dry.
- Ensure both are approximately the height of the nose, with the cobra taller than the vulture.
Glue the cobra and vulture to the forehead strip. Utilize hot glue or another strong adhesive to affix the pieces to the 1-inch (2.5-centimeter) wide strip on the forehead. Position the cobra on the left side and the vulture on the right.
Crafting the Beard
Locate an empty toilet paper roll. If unavailable, halve an empty paper towel roll to use instead. Alternatively, roll a 6-inch (15.25-centimeter) wide strip of thin cardboard or poster paper into a tube and secure it with tape.
Create two slits at the top of the tube. Each slit should measure approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in length and be directly opposite each other, resulting in two tabs at the top of the tube.
Trim one of the tabs from the top of the tube. Fold down one of the tabs to create a crease, then cut along the crease line and discard the tab. This action will shorten one side of the tube's top by 1 inch (2.5 centimeters).
Attach the tube to the chin section of your mask. Position the tube against the mask's chin, ensuring the longer edge covers the front of the chin while the shorter edge is beneath it. Secure the tube in place with tape.
Mask Coverage
Rip newspaper into narrow strips. Ripping the newspaper creates ragged edges that blend better together. Aim for strip widths between ½ and 1 inch (1.25 and 2.5 centimeters) and lengths of 2 to 3 inches (5 to 3.75 centimeters). Vary the sizes for better coverage of curves and angles.
- If newspaper isn't available, alternatives include blank newsprint, tissue paper, gauze strips, or paper towels.
Prepare your paper mache adhesive. Mix equal parts of thick, white glue and warm water, or substitute equal parts of white flour and warm water if glue isn't on hand.
- If the glue mixture is too thick, add more water until desired consistency is reached.
Immerse strips in glue, then apply to the mask. Start by applying strips to the seam between the mask and headdress. Proceed to cover the entire mask, including the headdress and beard. Smooth the paper mache with your fingers, limiting layers to 2 or 3.
- Remove excess glue by running strips over the edge of a bowl.
- Work with one strip at a time; avoid soaking all strips simultaneously.
- Subsequent layers may not require additional glue, as residue from previous layers can promote adhesion.
Fill the beard with paper, then encase the bottom with additional paper mache. Crumple newspaper into a ball and insert it into the beard's bottom. Apply a few strips across the bottom to cover the opening.
Allow the mask to dry overnight, then coat it with white paint. This will create a smooth base for painting and enhance the visibility of the colors. For an even smoother texture, apply white gesso and lightly sand it with a fine-grit sanding sponge. Repeat the gesso and sanding process as needed for a flawless finish.
- Spray paint primer can also be used as an alternative.
Mask Painting
Cover the entire mask, including the headdress, with gold paint. You can use spray paint or acrylic paint for this step. Allow the first layer to dry before applying additional coats if necessary.
Attach ½-inch (1-centimeter) blue strips to the headdress. These can be painted on or made from dark blue paper. Ensure horizontal placement on the shoulder sections and vertical alignment above the forehead. To maintain symmetry, curve the strips downward at the upper corners of the mask to avoid abrupt transitions between vertical and horizontal strips.
- Ensure the strips are symmetrically positioned on both sides of the mask.
Paint the beard blue using acrylic paint and a brush. Opt for a pale blue or turquoise shade for accuracy, though the same color as the headdress stripes can be used. For added authenticity, leave the bottom of the beard gold. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat if needed.
Incorporate a crisscross design into the beard. Achieve this using a fine brush and gold acrylic paint, a gold marker, or gold puffy/dimensional paint.
Apply kohl to the eyes. Define the eyes with a thin paintbrush and black acrylic paint or a black marker. Then, draw a horizontal line 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters) long at the outer corner of each eye. For greater accuracy, add curved eyebrows above the eyes, following their contours and ending at the outer edge of the kohl.
Helpful Tips
- For a smoother surface, prime the paper mache with gesso before painting.
- Refer to reference images of Tutankhamun's mask for guidance.
- Attach a 1-inch (2.5-centimeter) wide elastic band to the mask's rear using staples or glue for added durability compared to thin string or elastic.
Materials Needed
- White full-face mask
- Thin cardboard
- Masking tape
- Newspaper
- Glue and water
- Scissors
- Craft blade
- Gold spray paint
- Blue and black acrylic paint
- Paintbrushes
- Paper clay
- Craft foam
- Toilet paper roll
