papier mâché

(French: “chewed paper”).  A material made from paper pulp or shredded paper mixed with an adhesive, such as starch, paste, glue or resin.  When wet, papier mâché is malleable and can be molded.  When dry, it can be sanded and painted.  Pronunciation here.

papier machePapier mâché mirror frame, from the workshop of Neroccio de’ Landi. Siena, Italy. 1475-1500. Victoria and Albert Museum, London.