Medieval Paper Mache Figures

This is a project from the archives.  I used to teach a combined 5th/6th grade class until this year.  Every year, we made medieval paper mache figures.  The 5/6s studied the Medieval period in their social studies class.  We used newspaper and foil to create the armature of these figures.  Then, we applied paper mache over the body.  Model magic or air dry clay was used to make the heads.  Model magic actually works the best, in my opinion.  Clothes, paint and weapons were added to complete the figures. Some years we stuck more to the idea of knights and other years the kids branched out more to include maidens, bakers, mothers, etc.

This year, our new art teacher also continued this project.  Below are some of her students’ sculptures.  They did a good job making interesting facial expressions!

Look at the movement these figures are showing!

Take a look at the figure on the right.  He’s holding an eagle.