The Katana, formerly known as Mama, live in the north of Nigeria, where the wild buffalo roam the bush. The presence of horns in the majority of cap masks used agriculture festivities, symbolises these animals.

Instead of using this type of mask vertically over the face, the dancer wears it atop the head so it can be perceived horizontally - in the way most people imagine and depict animals -, supporting themselves on two sticks that act as the animals' front legs. The ceremonial dance includes extremely vigorous and threatening movements, contained by ropes managed by the viewers, and the rhythms of singing and drumming.