There are two types of masks; the masks with so-called 'everyday' functions (the 'tegla') and the 'big' masks. The tegla help leaders maintain order and rules within the community or village. The 'big' masks function at a higher level and help in national governance. For instance, they protect the local political structure and community from outside subversive activities, administer justice, establish peace or, on the contrary, lead the people during a battle. In addition, they still have the task of mediating arguments between lower-status masks.
In appearance, the 'tegla' look just like the masks for entertainment, so their function cannot be gauged from this. Indeed, their function is determined solely by their behaviour within society and the nature of the attributes they carry. For example, an entertainment mask wears a shorter costume (bark skirt) to move more freely and the props it carries in its hands are harmless while the tegla are seriously armed with spear, sword and or machete.
Each mask has at least one companion. The tegla usually has as many as three. These attendants translate what the mask says (interpret), sing hymns of praise about the spiritual identity currently manifesting through the mask, but must also restrain it if it gets too close to bystanders.