The elephant mask is a popular mask made for the Festival of Masks whereby the people of the Ivory Coast pay respect to thespirits, which are embodied in the masks.The original masks are considered sacred and very dangerous,only chosen individuals and families are allowed to own certain masks. The Dan people only allowtrained individuals towear the masks. It is said that each mask has a soul and the person who comes in contact with the inside of the mask will become that being.