Betsi-Nzaman Female Figure

In this female figure, the large breasts (seven brass tacks symbols of plenty and wealth); prominent belly and cylindrical navel - all reinforce the ideas of fertility and continuity of life. The use of the cords refer to the desire for ties between mother and child and "Inheritance or heritage, the cord becomes the image of tradition which ties one generation to another". In addition, as the need for security and protection: "pregnant women often will wear special cords around their hips as a protection against miscarriage. When she fears misdeeds of sorcerers or malevolent spirits, she wears a special belt…this belt remains knotted around the hips of the woman until one week before birth…" (A.LaGamma 2007:107)