Use the image of a Gabonese spirit mask from the collection in the National Museums of Scotland as a context for the suggested social studies challenges.
Learners can explore primary and secondary sources as a stimulus to develop their understanding of Gabonese cultural identity. Aspects of cultural life in Gabon can then be compared to Scotland.
Learners can express their curiosity about the spirit mask and its history by considering first what they see, thinking about what its purpose might be, and what its 'story' could be. They could then find out what the museum has said about it by reading the French text and working out its meaning in groups. The English text is available to help learners evaluate how much information they have understood.
Artisans who make these masks form an important part of Gabon's tourist industry. Learners could go on explore tourism in Scotland and Gabon, exploring Gabon’s growing ecotourism industry and issues regarding sustainability.
PDF: Social studies overview (197 KB)Word file: Social studies overview (1.5 MB)Photo credit: Image of an Okuyi mask made of cottonwood representing the spirit world, made by the Balumbo people of Gabon. Copyright National Museums of Scotland. Published with permission.
