In the early 1980s, Al-Baqsami moved to Zaire and then Senegal on the African continent along with her husband who began working there. During this time the artist felt a new sense of freedom from the restrictive ideas and academic techniques she acquired while studying in Moscow. This effect can be visible from the choice of mediums and also general subject matter at this time. This work is inspired by the legendary Baobab tree in Senegal, which was said to possess magic powers to help infertile women bear children. Russian iconography mixed with local symbols dealing with fertility reflect the artist’s background as well as the diverse religious beliefs of Senegalese people.