Sacrifice of the Fig Wasp

clay, glaze, paint, dirt

The fig tree and fig wasp share a mutualistic relationship, relying on each other for reproduction. In order to lay her eggs, the female fig wasp forces her way into an unripe fig, tearing off her wings and antenna in the process. She dies inside the fig and is eventually absorbed by the fruit’s enzymes. The pollinated tree can then produce ripe figs for the continuation of its life cycle.

Each fig was individually sculpted as part of a personal meditation on wasted sacrifice.