IN THE CLASSROOM:

Arnis Zargarian didn’t know much about West African culture until he got the chance to create his own African mask with some paint and a brush.

The 12-year-old Toll Middle School student and about 30 of his classmates worked on making masks as part of their social studies lesson on the West African civilization.

“Each mask has to have a story,” Arnis said, as he dipped his brush into paint.

“I have a big imagination, so I like to put a little of myself in the mask.”

Arnis used symbols to represent the character of his mask. An equals sign on his mask’s cheek symbolized a warrior.

“In his story, his culture doesn’t like to fight,” Arnis said. “Kind of like how Muslims are. He’ll do anything for his family.”

Students studied the history of West Africa and took part in a culminating activity that included writing, discussion and art.

They learned about the oral traditions of the West African cultures and how symbols are used to tie into their stories.

“History is more than just memorizing names and facts,” teacher Michael Panikowski said. “It’s about people who talk and interact.”

As students painted their clay masks, they gave them a personality.

Davis Tarabek, 12, named his mask “Zanga.” He used white paint to draw the symbols that best described Zanga’s character.

“He’s the leader of a tribe in West Africa,” Davis said, pointing to the star he drew.

The star is the sign of a leader, he added.

“An arrow tells you, ‘Don’t mess with me,’” Davis said.

At another desk, 12-year-old Lilian Esaian worked on her mask of a young girl. “She’s wise, loves nature, she usually does all the work, and her sister is jealous of her beauty,” Lilian said.

“She fights off monsters and has animal friends. One day, a snake transforms into a prince, and they get married.”

After they finish making their masks, students will write a story about their mask as it pertains to the study of West African culture, Panikowski said.

They will also present their writing to one another and do peer evaluations, he added.

But learning about another culture through artwork is just one way students get a better feel of what is being taught, Panikowski said, adding that he plays traditional music so students appreciate the culture they are learning about.

“Students become exposed to different kinds of music that has a connection to what they are learning,” he said.

KIDS TALK BACK

The Glendale News-Press visited Toll Middle School and asked students: “What have you learned about West African civilization?”

“They’re religious because they wear piercings and markings on their faces. They dance to the spirits as a way to worship them.”

KOUSHA BARAEI, 13

Glendale

“They have different traditions and dances. Their art, it’s kind of nice. They make masks mostly for celebrations.”

ERIC GRIGORIAN, 13

Glendale

“I’ve learned that the West African people have been through many struggles with people trying to take over their land. I like their language. I would like to learn it.”

ARSINEH GEVONDYAN, 12

Glendale 

“I learned that West Africans inspired people to make hip-hop music and R & B.”

NELLA MEGERDICHIAN, 13

Glendale

“I learned that their life wasn’t easy. Some were held captive as slaves. They didn’t see their families. I’ve learned that the different dances they do are based on emotions and feelings. They let it out by dancing.”

TATEVIK SHAUMYAN, 12

Glendale