The Wee's masks can be broadly divided into masks for entertainment and masks with a social function. The first category includes the dance masks, called 'tegla', who are always male, and the jester masks, who could be both male and female. Masks in the second category represent predominantly masculine identities. A 'masculine' mask can be recognised, among other things, by the box-shaped eyes; which means that this mask is clearly male. Each mask was given its own name, which was different from the names used for people.
The masks were also provided with a headdress or head covering, which is missing from this object. The headdress or head covering determined which place the mask occupied within the mask hierarchy. With the Wee, the masks were owned by families or individuals and not the general property of a society, as is the case with many neighbouring peoples. So high-ranking families often also possessed the masks with the highest prestige and influence. The identity of the mask wearer is therefore no secret at all. Everyone may know who is hiding under it but once the mask is 'in function', one is not allowed to reveal this and treats it as the mythical being that manifests itself through the mask and its wearer.
If you want to see more masks and objects from Ivory Coast: Collection Wee Wereldmuseum.