Mosaic – JSS1 Cultural & Creative Arts Lesson Note (Third Term)

What is mosaic?

Mosaic is an art form in which small pieces of coloured material, called tesserae, are arranged and fixed together to make a picture, pattern or decorative design.

• Tesserae: the small pieces (singular: tessera) that form the picture.
• Fixing: the pieces are set in mortar, cement or adhesive on a surface.
• Result: a design made from many small parts, seen as one whole picture.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define mosaic and explain the term tesserae;
2. list the materials used in mosaic art;
3. name the types of mosaic;
4. describe the steps in creating a simple mosaic;
5. state the uses of mosaic art and the safety precautions to follow.

What are the key terms in mosaic?

Six terms are used again and again when talking about mosaic.

• Tesserae: the small pieces of glass, tile, stone or other material used in a mosaic.
• Adhesive: any glue, paste or cement that sticks the tesserae to the base.
• Mortar: a mixture of cement and sand used to set stone and tile pieces.
• Grout: a thin paste that fills the gaps between tesserae after they are fixed.
• Base: the surface on which the mosaic is made, such as wood or a wall.
• Sealant: a clear coating that protects the finished surface.

What materials are used in mosaic art?

Mosaic materials fall into four groups: traditional tesserae, modern and alternative tesserae, adhesives, and bases.

Traditional tesserae

• Glass: small coloured pieces that shine and reflect light.
• Ceramic tiles: cut or broken floor and wall tiles.
• Stone: small cut pieces of natural stone.
• Marble: fragments of smooth, polished stone.
• Pebbles: small rounded stones, often used for paths and floors.

Modern and alternative materials

• Broken pottery or dishes: old plates and pots given a new use.
• Coloured paper: torn or cut pieces, ideal for beginners.
• Eggshells: small cracked pieces, which can be painted.
• Seeds and beans: natural pieces in different colours and sizes.
• Bottle caps: round, bright pieces from waste materials.
• Plastic pieces: cut from used containers.
• Beads: small, colourful and easy to place.
• Shells: small shells or broken shell pieces.

Adhesive materials

• White glue (PVA): used for paper, seeds, beads and light materials.
• Cement mortar: used for stone and tile mosaics on walls and floors.
• Grout: fills the gaps between tiles and glass pieces.
• Paste: a soft, sticky mixture used for paper mosaics.

Base and surface materials

• Wood: a firm base for pictures and trays.
• Cardboard: a cheap base for classroom projects.
• Canvas: a cloth surface used for hanging pictures.
• Walls: used for large murals.
• Floors: used for lasting patterns in buildings.
• Vases or pots: curved surfaces used for decorated containers.

What are the types of mosaic?

There are five types of mosaic: glass, ceramic, stone, paper and mixed media.

1. Glass mosaic: made with coloured glass pieces, often used for decoration.
2. Ceramic mosaic: made with broken tiles or pottery pieces.
3. Stone mosaic: uses natural stone pieces and is common in ancient buildings.
4. Paper mosaic: uses torn or cut coloured paper and is suitable for beginners.
5. Mixed media mosaic: combines different materials for creative effects.

What is the historical background of mosaic?

Mosaic is an old art that began in the ancient Middle East and spread across many cultures.

• Origin: it began over 4,000 years ago in Mesopotamia.
• Greeks and Romans: they perfected the technique, especially for floors.
• Byzantine and Islamic art: it was used widely in Byzantine churches and Islamic buildings.
• Nigeria: it is found in some traditional palaces and shrines.
• Today: modern artists use mosaic for public art and decoration.

How do you create a simple mosaic?

A simple mosaic is made in seven steps, from planning the design to finishing the surface.

1. Design planning:
   • Sketch your design on paper.
   • Choose suitable colours.
   • Decide on the materials to use.
2. Prepare the base:
   • Clean the surface well.
   • Draw or transfer the design onto the base.
3. Prepare the materials:
   • Sort the pieces by colour.
   • Cut or break pieces to the sizes you want.
   • Handle sharp materials with care.
4. Apply adhesive:
   • Spread glue or adhesive on a small section.
   • Work on one area at a time.
5. Place the tesserae:
   • Start from the centre or one edge.
   • Leave small gaps between pieces.
   • Press each piece firmly to make it stick.
6. Grouting (for tile and glass mosaics):
   • Fill the gaps between pieces with grout.
   • Wipe off excess with a damp cloth.
   • Allow it to dry completely.
7. Finishing:
   • Clean the surface.
   • Apply sealant if needed.
   • Display or mount the finished work.

What are the uses of mosaic art?

Mosaic is used for decoration, religious art, public art and useful items.

Decorative purposes

• Walls: decorations in homes and public buildings.
• Floors: designs in hotels and palaces.
• Swimming pools: patterns on pool walls and floors.
• Garden pathways: pebble and tile designs on paths.

Religious art

• Churches: windows and walls.
• Mosques: decorative patterns.
• Temples: artwork on walls and floors.

Public art

• Murals: large pictures in parks and streets.
• Monuments: decoration on memorials.
• Schools and hospitals: pictures on walls.

Functional items

• Tabletops: decorated surfaces for furniture.
• Mirror frames: borders made from small pieces.
• Flower pots: decorated containers for plants.
• Serving trays: decorated trays for use at home.

Why should students learn mosaic art?

Mosaic builds skills in the hands, the eyes and the mind.

• Patience: placing small pieces needs concentration.
• Coordination: it improves hand-eye coordination.
• Creativity: it encourages self-expression.
• Design skills: it teaches colour and design principles.
• Recycling: it gives waste materials a new use.
• Income: finished crafts can be sold.

What safety precautions should be followed in mosaic work?

Safety precautions are the rules that protect you from cuts, dust and fumes while you work.

• Gloves: wear them when handling sharp materials.
• Goggles: use them when breaking tiles or glass.
• Ventilation: work in a well-aired place when using adhesives.
• Tools: keep sharp tools away from younger students.
• Cleaning: clear broken pieces immediately.
• Hygiene: wash your hands thoroughly after working.

What are some simple classroom mosaic projects?

Classroom projects use cheap, safe materials that are easy to find.

1. Paper mosaic greeting cards: torn coloured paper on folded card.
2. Eggshell mosaic: painted eggshell pieces on cardboard.
3. Seed mosaic pictures: beans and seeds glued into a picture.
4. Bottle cap mosaic designs: caps arranged in a pattern.
5. Magazine paper patterns: geometric shapes cut from old magazines.

Where is mosaic used in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, mosaic appears in both traditional and modern settings.

• Traditional palaces: decoration on walls and floors.
• Modern city buildings: architectural designs.
• Churches and mosques: decorative surfaces.
• Schools: public art projects.
• Hotels and restaurants: decoration for walls and floors.
• Cultural centres: displays of art and craft.

Evaluation

1. What is mosaic, and what are tesserae?
2. List four materials that can be used as tesserae.
3. Name the five types of mosaic.
4. Describe the steps in creating a simple mosaic.
5. State three safety precautions to follow when making a mosaic.

Assignment

Make a simple paper mosaic using torn or cut coloured paper. Follow the steps in this lesson. Write down two safety precautions you followed while working.