<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> <P> As the veneration of defunct ancestors is a fundamental element of most African traditional cultures, it is not surprising that the dead is also a common subject for masks . Masks referring to dead ancestors are most often shaped after a human skull . A well - known example is the mwana pwo (literally, "young woman") of the Chokwe people (Angola), that mixes elements referring to feminine beauty (well - proportioned oval face, small nose and chin) and other referring to death (sunken eye sockets, cracked skin, and tears); it represents a female ancestor who died young, venerated in rites such as circumcision rites and ceremonies associated to the renewal of life . As veneration of the dead is most often associated to fertility and reproduction, many dead - ancestor masks also have sexual symbols; the ndeemba mask of the Yaka people (Angola and DR Congo), for example, is shaped after a skull complemented with a phallic - shaped nose . </P>

Who wears a mask to one of her weddings