Now think about one of your ancestors and create the mask's features to represent that ancestor's characteristics. If so, you might create a large forehead for your mask or plan to decorate the forehead to emphasize that feature. If the person told great stories, enlarge the mouth. If he or she was a great listener, exaggerate the ears, using cut-out cardboard for ears. Cowrie shells indicate wealth and symbolize women.
Horns are symbols of fertility, and elephant features represent strength.
After the plaster dries, apply a complete coat of paint. Use black, brown, or white for the base. Apply additional colors, geometric designs, horns, teeth, jewelry, etc. Complete the mask with raffia. African masks are considered art in motion, so all masks should include something movable.