African masks can be traced back to well past Paleolithic times. They are often part of a ceremonial costume and are used in religious and social events to represent the spirits of ancestors. The masks are seen to bridge the gap between the spiritual realm and the physical realm, bringing the spirits of the ancestors and other entities to life through their usage. They are used in events such as initiation ceremonies and masquerade performances. The masks are brought to life through dance and the atmosphere of the occasion. More often than not, the wearer of the mask would also wear an elaborate costume to conceal their identity and add to the mysticism of the mask. This handcrafted mask is quite large and has been further beautified by the carver with the usage of scarification marks.