Some craftspeople use unexpected materials, such as plant fibers and beads to create soft masks that hold their shapes like more traditional masks. The Pende peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo weave fabric-like material with plant fibers that is durable enough to be worn in ceremonial dances. The Luba peoples of the Democratic Republic of the Congo bind plant fibers tightly together to create contours of a face.  The Tabwa peoples of Zambia create beaded surfaces that also echo the
contours of a real human face. The Bamileke peoples of Cameroon create stylized masks representing elephants and symbolizing strength and power.