Desert Song

The Hassania people trace their descent from the ancient race of Berbers. Their traditional Moorish lifestyle is influenced by the flamboyant heritage of Arabia.

This sculpture shows an Hassania woman performing a ritual dance. She is covered in a dark veil, which reveals only the complex movements of her hands and feet. At the climax she removes her veil and dances erotically to the accompaniment of drummers, while the women clap to the mesmerizing beat.