Masks play an important role in African traditions and often hold an honored place in society. People
 of various cultures wear masks for religious ceremonies, to initiate rites of passage, and for celebrations. To create antelope masks for dancers in the Congo, a craftsman used simple tools to carve a piece of wood into the mask’s form. The Yoruba peoples of Nigeria wear cap masks, worn on top of the head. The Nalu peoples of Guinea created the Banda mask, also worn on top of the head. Bwa Plank masks from Burkina Faso are long masks that extend over the wearer’s head, but are lightweight, allowing the wearer to dance despite the added height of the mask. The carved masks of Africa reveal the craftsmanship of its people.