African tribal culture was based on community
and survival. Due to this, fertility and sexuality
played a very large part in the philosophy of a
tribe. This beautifully carved piece of ivory had
an important role in this ideology. Retaining the
symmetrical shape of the horn, the ivory has
been carved with fine lines varying in direction.
At the top, is the head of a fish, which represents
fertility, and out of its mouth comes a bulb-
shaped object. Its actual ritual function was to
prepare the girl to become a part of an important
group, solely for women.This type of initiation
would also have meant new roles and duties for
the girl as a rite of passage. With this in mind, we
realize the importance that this piece had, and in
turn, learn to respect art and its various
functions, whether foreign or familiar to us.
- (PF.3831)
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