Masks, Rituals and Tribes

Rationale
Use of masks is deeply rooted in the rituals of many tribes and cultures: in initiation, healing and burial ceremonies or for storytelling and entertainment. They are also used to disguise or protect. 
Rituals can help us with identity and a feeling of ‘belonging’ which is often missing in our modern culture. 
We also all have an ‘inner self’ and an ‘outward self’ and all put on masks to hide behind or for our protection.
Title
“Masks, Rituals and Tribes”
Aim
SENSING ‘OTHERNESS’, SENSING MYSTERY
To understand the ritual use of masks in other cultures and to recognize that we all ‘put on masks’ for our own purposes and protection.
Objectives
By the end of the assembly pupils will understand that:
* Rituals exist in all cultures today
* Masks can be visible or invisible
Link with 5–14
Art; Drama; Music; PSD
Link with ACfE
Language; Poetry
Is this part of a series
Masks, Rituals and Tribes; Barriers; Pathways
Introduction
This assembly outline is suitable for a whole school assembly or a departmental group.
Children will be given a rhythm to clap before they enter the Assembly Hall. They will be ceremonially led in, class at a time, clapping the rhythm, and sit in concentric circles. This ceremonial entry will be accompanied by a presentation of tribal drumming and a video clip of ritual dancing.
Stimulus
* Display of different masks: Native American, African, Venetian, Greek theatrical and plain white masks showing different emotions
* Video of different Native American rituals  performed and explained
* Video of the rugby ‘hakka’ ritual as an example of a modern take on a ritual.
* Video of various modern uses of masks used for protection for example” hockey, baseball and scuba diving masks, dentists’ and doctors’ masks
* Listen to My Inside Self by Rachel Field to introduce them to the idea that we have an ‘inside self’ and an ‘outside self’ and all, at times, put on masks for our own protection, to feel part of a group or because we want to be seen in a particular way
* A teacher will put on various masks (happy, sad, angry) and move contrary to the mask to show that what is happening on the outside is not always what is happening on the inside.
Guided Reflection
We sit in this circle to remind us that we are all of equal importance and that we each have a right to our views and opinions.
We sit in a circle together to identify with this tribe of ………………. School.
Belonging to a tribe can be very important to us, as we all need to feel that we belong and are accepted – but it is important that we are true to ourselves and are accepted for who we are and not try to be different just to please other people.
Response
In own class:
* Pupils could view a suitable excerpt from the film The Mask where Jim Carey’s personality transforms when he puts on his mask
* Pupils should be given an opportunity to discuss the idea of hiding behind masks (with little ones it could be as simple as discussing if they have ever said sorry just to get off with a punishment.)
* Infant classes could make masks with different emotions and respond appropriately when they put them on and discuss how they feel inside
* Upper primary could make papier-mâché masks and write poetry to go with the masks 
* Working in small groups, pupils could create a ‘Greetings Ritual’ for their class.
* As a class, pupils could discuss the idea of the school as their tribe. They could choose a symbolic object to represent their tribe and make up its story and create a ritual to go with this. This could be celebrated annually. The story could fit in with the school motto or aims
Evaluation (a)
Observation of  pupils during assembly; discussion with pupils post assembly.
Evaluation (b)
Discussion with Staff Consultative Committee and with whole staff group at appropriate points in school quality assurance process.

Masks, Rituals and Tribes
Running Order

Running Time
Mins
Activity
Personnel
Resources
Action
0-5
5
Entry and gathering
Class Teachers
Facilitator
Rhythm provided for each class

5-7
2
Guided reflection about sitting in a circle
Facilitator
Written Script

7-13
6
Video 1: Native American Rituals
Facilitator to introduce and explain
DVD Player
Projector

13-16
3
Video 2: Rugby ‘Hakka’
Facilitator makes the link to modern rituals
DVD Player
Projector

16-20
4
Video 3: Modern Masks
Facilitator makes links
DVD Projector

20-22
2
Reading of Poem
Facilitator or Teacher
Copy of Poem

22-28
6
Facilitator works against the mask. Discussion time
Facilitator
Variety of white expressive masks

28-30
2
Guided Reflection about being true to ourselves and not hiding behind masks
Facilitator
Written Script


Masks, Rituals and Tribes
Support Materials

My Inside Self 
by Rachel Field
My Inside-Self and my Outside-Self
Are as different as can be.
My Outside-Self wears gingham smocks,
And very round is she,
With freckles sprinkled on her nose,
And smoothly parted hair,
And clumsy feet that cannot dance
In heavy shoes and square.

But, oh, my little Inside-Self—
In gowns of misty rose
She dances lighter than a leaf
On blithe and twinkling toes;
Her hair is blowing gold, and if
You chanced her face to see,
You would not think she could belong
To staid and sober me!
Learning and Teaching Scotland — Religious Observance Template		

Submitted by The Church of Scotland 2007