The celebration of the female body and spirit is
one of the most profound subjects in all art. This is
particularly true when the artist's intent goes
beyond aesthetic form, and encompasses cultural
and religious meaning. This powerful figure is
similar to an edan, a representation of a female
ancestor used by the Osugbo society. She probably
served the same purpose in emphasizing the
nurturing role of women; thus the fact she holds her
breasts, or rather appears to squeeze them to
remind us they are full of milk. Her prominent sex
organ promotes the idea of fertility, both in the
sense of sexuality and procreation. The slight tilt of
the head gives her a contemplative air, as if she is
thinking about the healthy children she will one day
have. The lovely necklace she wears is the same
pattern as the triangular piece of "cloth" on her
abdomen. Thick lines or ridges on her back, arms
and stomach probably represent scarification. With
her distinctive Yoruba features of large, bulging
eyes and elongated face, she is a model of feminine
beauty and an inspiration for mothers-to-be.
- (PF.4886)
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