For the Bambara, the mother figure is the embodiment of Faro, the goddess of water and mother of all mankind. She manifests herself in rain and rainbow, or thunder and lightning. The figures usually have geometrical features such as large conical or rounded breasts. The blacksmith members of the Dyo society used them during dances to celebrate the end of the initiation ceremonies. They were held by dancers and placed in the middle of the ceremonial circle.

Exhibited at “Celebrating African-American Heritage”
AlfaArt Gallery, New Brunswick, NJ February 2014