The Bambara (also known as the Bamana) of Mali are the most important of the Mandingo-speaking peoples of the Western Sudan. They are best known for producing highly stylized figures of the highest quality. Religion played a particularly important part in their everyday lives and its value manifested themselves in many of their sculptures. This close bond between mother and child demonstrated in the piece reflects these influences. The use of decoration is often very simple, adding to the magnificence of the piece without losing any of its character and awesome fascination. This proud and protective Mother gently cradles her child while it suckles contentedly. While the Mother is seated on a stool, the penultimate symbol of authority in Africa, her naked torso is elongated, accentuating her long neck and her slender limbs. The symmetry of her facial features shows a delicate handling. Her arms are decorated with amulets and her hair, has been carefully woven into three braids including the central crest. This woman is the epitome of a mother. She is the image of contentedness and a testimony to the beauty of the women of the Bambara tribe.