Giampietro Carlesso, Mater-Bi, bronze, 1999

 

 

A Sacred Totem

An anthropomorphic figure
of alchemically transformed fragilities
rises from the earth,
shows his terrific power to the passer-by.

Nakumbau initiation and male circumcision figure (detail). Vanuatu (prev. New Hebrides), Malakula Island, N'botgote tribe; tree fern and bamboo covered with clay and lime; H.198cm, W.50cm.	Franz Xaver Seegen (1724 - 1780) Academic figure of a male nude (detail) Linden wood, height 163 cm.

 

Raises toward the sky
the hardened mud of a sacred Penis.
A wooden leaf constrains
the sexual energies of a tree,
sculpted in the forms of a man.

Wooden sculpture of a sitting dignitary (detail)
China, early Qing period, end of XVII century, height 80 cm.

 

But from other carved trees,
joined hands open like a Vagina
present the offer with humble sentiment,
in profound silence.