Mask #120: Paper Plate Chimpanzee Mask

(Click the pictures to see larger versions.)

I attempted another paper plate mask, this time following the directions at The Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute. I took some minor creative liberties by drawing hair on the ears, which was not part of the directions, but otherwise stuck as closely as possible to their method.

All it involved was three paper plates, some glue, a black marker and pink paper. Their instructions called for a crayon but since I don't have any crayons (something I'm going to remedy soon) I used a very smelly permanent marker instead. I also didn't have pink construction paper so used some pink scrapbooking paper as a substitute.

The linked instructions talk about exploring the various facial expressions of the chimpanzee. I opted not to give mine a big smile and ended up with a serious, thoughtful-looking chimp. My friend Rich finds it bewildering that I'm not a fan of monkeys and primates in general, so I dedicate this one to him! I've explained to him that I just don't see the humour in them that's always pushed on us in kids movies and circuses and whatnot, finding the monkeys-in-clothes bit to be creepy and off-putting, but I think he thinks I'm crazy anyway. Ah, well. Make sure you read the FAQ at CHCI as well, as it talks all about the plight of the chimpanzee. Poor chimps.