Sculpture of a cow ·  Soudan · ID: 3036563

Description

modelled from a mass made of “Balanites aegyptiaca”, the kernels were first mashed, then chewed by the “kujur” (shaman) and finally modelled, archaic form, blotched patina (yellow ochre, white, greyish brown);
“Balanites aegyptiaca” is even called “desert date” or “soap berry tree”. With the Berti in Darfur the “desert date” has ritual meaning. She is regarded as magical tree, which might never be chopped. Sick persons hope to be healed when ritually pacing around a tree, in the same way Black Magic is practiced.