As a woman, I symbolize fertility and growth; impressive are my size and weight (over 130 lbs.). I am the force that makes people, plants and animals thrive. I appear at important times, when rice is sown, transplanted and harvested. I protect pregnant women, attend weddings and guide the dead to the world of their ancestors.
I can only be worn by a robust man dressed in a raffia fiber and cloth skirt that goes down to his ankles. He places me on his shoulders and looks out through two holes between my breasts. The Nimba wearer dances to the beat of large drums, while women sing along and throw rice to express their joy. When the dance is over, I go back into a sacred hut.
