Gourd Mask

field-grown gourd
pencil
utility knife
electric jigsaw (or keyhole saw)
electric sander or sandpaper
plastic scrubber
awl
wood stain
acrylic paints
black gesso
sponge cut into strips
raffia
gold marker
clear acrylic sealer
glue
wood-burning tool or black permanent marker
feathers & beads, etc.
wax linen
paper towels
wire (for backing)
dust mask

1. With a pencil, draw a line lengthwise down the gourd and make your first cut with a utility knife. Insert your electric jigsaw, cutting the gourd in half (figure A). Use a rubber shelf liner under the gourd when cutting and/or sanding to prevent slippage.

2. Remove the seeds and mold from the gourd. Wear a dust mask when cleaning the interior of the gourd to protect against breathing mold spores, as well as when spraying acrylic sealant.

3. Soak the gourd in water for 5 minutes to soften. Scrub the interior and exterior skin of the gourd with the plastic scrubber. Smooth rough edges with electric sander.

4. Draw your mask face on the front and either burn or outline with black marker the eye and accents (figure B).

5. Cut out the triangle eye.

6. Rub on the wood stain with a paper towel (figure C).

7. Choose acrylic paint colors to match the color of your feathers. Dip your sponge strips into the paint and sponge down the center of the gourd and around the eyes (figure D).

8. With a gold pen, color in the circle accents around the eyes (figure E).

9. Paint the oblong eye with black paint (figure F).

10. Seal with acrylic sealant.

11. Cut a bundle of raffia to add to the top of the mask as hair and knot together. Use an awl to poke a hole on top, and tie
the raffia to the gourd (figure G).

12. Add your beads on several strands of raffia, tying a knot on the ends to secure.

13. Dip the ends of the feathers into glue and slide into the bead hole above the knot (figure H). Let dry for 30 minutes.

14. Poke a hole with your awl where you want the 'mouth' bead to go and at the sides to string on the wire backing.