Standing tall with her child in her arm, this sculpture most likely represents a queen mother. Her intricately styled coiffure reflects her high-ranking status and overwhelming beauty. The sculpture is adorned with red, green, yellow, and blue beaded necklaces. Beads were highly prized in African cultures and these necklaces would have enhanced not only the beauty of the sculpture, but also the status of the woman represented. Furthermore, the raised scarifications that cover her face and body are considered both prestigious marks of rank as well as symbols of her sexual desirability. Certain specific scars, like the grid pattern on her stomach and the diamonds on her temples and forehead, are indicative of the Baule people and would identify her as a part of this tribe. Clearly, this woman is a person of noble rank who held an esteemed role within her society. Most likely, this sculpture was commissioned by her relatives after she passed away to commemorate her life. The Baule people believed that the spirits of the deceased continued to play an active role in the life of their descendants. By creating memorial sculptures and presenting it with proper sacrifices and libations, the relatives of the deceased could influence the favor of the spirit. Fertility was the foremost quality desired in a woman. Distended stomachs, sagging breasts, and wide hips were all considered sign of beauty because they implied fecundity. Judging by the beauty and social position of this woman, there is no doubt that she would have continued to play a major role within society even after her bodily departure. Through our worship and reverence, her powers are maintained if not heightened. Libations presented to this mother goddess could ensure the future fertility of her ancestors. From beyond the grave, she rules with benevolent grace and dignity, altering the course of our lives and the path of the tribe.