Unlike the tegla, the great masks rarely show themselves, they are exclusively owned by high-ranking families and come into action only during important social and political events during which they are assisted by several attendants. These masks stride with dignity, have no threatening attitude and rather radiate esteem and benevolence.
One of the unique features of the big masks is a moving lower jaw, literally a sign that they actually 'have something (important) to say'. They move their jaw up and down when speaking to their audience, after which their attendants translate what they say. In their hands they hold the attributes associated with a family head or leader, for example an elephant stand.
The highest in rank were trimmed with leopard teeth and/or skin. This latter feature together with the movable lower jaw are very strong indications that this mask was once part of the community of great masks of the Wee.