Its importance lies in the fact that, for the first time, a study of this kind reveals the close link between African sculpture and traditional African dance. Such dances have been practiced for centuries, from Zulu war dances in South Africa to sensual dances in the Republic of Congo, to the acrobatic dances of Mali. This is where the two disciplines meet. Both in African dance and in figurine sculpture the curve and the round are basic criteria of beauty. A long neck, especially one adorned with rings, was regarded as particularly beautiful.
Breasts signify age.
Hence, hardly developed breast represent a young girl, fully developed breasts a marriageable woman in her prime, while extended breasts represent the mature woman who has had her children. An emphasized stomach indicates either pregnancy or well-being, either physically or in terms of status. Another sign of beauty were developed buttocks, although their predominance on figurines has probably to do with a technicality. In the most basic stance of an African dancer the torso is inclined forward by up to 45 degrees. If a carving was to lean at such an angle it would probably be unstable.