<P> Animals are common subjects in African masks . Animal masks might actually represent the spirit of animals, so that the mask - wearer becomes a medium to speak to animals themselves (e.g. to ask wild beasts to stay away from the village); in many cases, nevertheless, an animal is also (sometimes mainly) a symbol of specific virtues . Common animal subjects include the buffalo (usually representing strength, as in the Baoulé culture), crocodile, hawk, hyena, warthog and antelope . Antelopes have a fundamental role in many cultures of the Mali area (for example in Dogon and Bambara culture) as representatives of agriculture . Dogon antelope masks are highly abstract, with a general rectangular shape and many horns (a representation of abundant harvest . Bambara antelope masks (called chiwara) have long horns representing the thriving growth of millet, legs (representing roots), long ears (representing the songs sung by the working women at harvest time), and a saw - shaped line that represents the path followed by the Sun between solstices . </P> <P> A common variation on the animal - mask theme is the composition of several distinct animal traits in a single mask, sometimes along with human traits . Merging distinct animal traits together is sometimes a means to represent unusual, exceptional virtue or high status . For example, the Poro secret societies of the Senufo people of the Ivory Coast have masks that celebrate the exceptional power of the society by merging three different "danger" symbols: antelope horns, crocodile teeth, and warthog fangs . Another well - known example is that of kifwebe masks of the Songye people (Congo basin), that mix the stripes of a zebra (or okapi), the teeth of a crocodile, the eyes of a chameleon, the mouth of an aardvark, the crest of a rooster, the feathers of an owl and more . </P> <P> Another common subject of African masks is a woman's face, usually based on a specific culture's ideal of feminine beauty . Female masks of the Punu people of Gabon, for example, have long curved eyelashes, almond - shaped eyes, thin chin, and traditional ornaments on their cheeks, as all these are considered good - looking traits . Feminine masks of the Baga people have ornamental scars and breasts . In many cases, wearing masks that represent feminine beauty is strictly reserved to men . </P> <P> One of the well - known representations of female beauty is the Idia mask of Benin . It is believed to have been commissioned by a king of Benin in memory of his mother . To honor his dead mother, the king wore the mask on his hip during special ceremonies . </P>

How many types of african masks are there