The most common uses of masks include initiation ceremonies and funerals. Initiation ceremonies usually entail the circumcision of boys and their acceptance into manhood; both female and male figures are represented by masks in the ceremony even though only men perform (Cole , 391). The Nyeeng mask, a type of helmet mask, is associated with the boys’ initiation and is worn by Shyaam during these ceremonies (Vasina , 216). Funerary masks are not only used for title holders in society, but for non recognized members of society as well (Cole , 391). Regional differences can be spotted in the bwoom masks from the eastern and central tribes. During the 18th century, most were carved out of a very light wood; the trunk of the tree was used because it was over one meter in diameter so it was the perfect size for a mask (Vasina , 216).