Jo Figure. Bamana ethnic group, Mali

African maternity figures depict the ideals of beauty and fertility, exhibiting a wide diversity in size, symbolism, intimacy and style, whether the primordial mother or a founding ancestor. Commonly used as shrine figures, they were often objects of petitions or prayers for fertility and successful births. The prevalence of the maternity theme testifies to the importance of women and children to the continuity of each people.

Figures like these were carried in dance ceremonies by new members of the Jo society. Large, seated Jo figures were kept in shrines, and they aided women who sought their help. Periodically, they were brought out for fertility ceremonies. Figures represented the Bamana idea of beauty.