H73 W41cm. Coloured slips, stoneware glaze. Three-piece form

The mother is in two interlocking pieces, representing the reproductive union of male and female. These join together on four sides like jigsaw pieces, echoing the seemingly random shapes on giraffe hide. The young giraffe fits snugly under its mother’s breast without a permanent link, allowing for the space between to be increased in readiness for separation. The surface design is adapted from an Ngongo raffia appliqué dance skirt. The skin pattern shows the unique genetic and emotional bond between this mother and child, as well as rooting them in place.