Chimpanzees can communicate with humans using sign language. In genetic terms, even insects, on the whole not very popular creatures, are more closely related to us than we generally assume. The Indian goddess Kali unites opposing aspects of becoming, preserving and destroying. These contradictory forces are taken here as a metaphor for humans' relationship to nature. The name Kali is derived from Kala, meaning time, which creates and devours everything.
Tradition holds that the goddess was called into life in a battle against demons.
She possesses uncontrollable forces and everything to do with her behaviour is extreme. On the one hand, the black goddess is elevated to the status of saviour of the universe and the gods call for her aid. On the other hand, she may begin to wipe out the whole world in a destructive frenzy. The only thing that can stop her is the god Shiva, in the form of an new-born baby, the symbol of a new beginning. The great mother symbolises the frightening aspects of nature and promises to protect those who honour her.