The African tribes, such as the Bambara, preferred to think of the spirits of their ancestors collectively rather than in terms of separate individuals. This is the result of the animism that underlies their religious beliefs. Such religious beliefs have been termed “animism” because they believed that a spirit exists in every living thing. Spiritsdwell in the earth, in rivers and lakes, in the rain, in the sun and moon; still others demand to be appeased in order to promote fertility or cure disease. Their dwelling places may be given the shape of human figures, such as this glorious fertility sculpture depicting a standing woman. In this case, such spirits sometimes achieve enough of a stable identity to be viewed as rudimentary deities. This seems to be true of this gorgeous woman who conveys an
air of authority and compassion befitting such a
deity. Certainly, she represents the strongly
revered fertility spirits, as indicated by her large,
sagging breasts and swollen stomach, both
revealing her fecundity. The Bambara would
dance and act out similar dramatic ceremonies to
appease this deity in order to promote fertility.
Two drilled holes serve as the pupils of her eyes
and impart the work with an increased realism;
she almost appears to look back at us. She
wears a belt decorated with colorful beads and
cowrie shells, both prestige items, which suggest
that this sculpture was once lovingly tended for.
Furthermore, metal loops adorn her ears and the
central braid of her hair that falls over her back.
The energy and life force of fertility radiates from
within this spectacular figure and the great
emotional intensity of dances and ceremonies
permeate the powerful appearance of this
carving today.