Balance
Quote
Actually the birth of twins is a notable event. It recalls the fabulous past, when all beings came into existence in twos, symbols of the balance between the human and the divine. It repeats the child-birth of the first woman and the transformation of her clitoris into a scorpion. The scorpion with his eight feet is a symbol of two new-born infants with their sum of eight arms and legs. He is also their protector: no one dares touch them for fear of his sting.
- Source: Griaule, Marcel. Conversations with Ogotemmêli. London: Published for the International African Institute by the Oxford University Press, 1965
- Culture: Dogon
- Location: Africa