“The blessed nature of the artist commands respect and reverence from everyone. The art that results from such a blessed hand is in turn approached with fear, reverence, and respect because it is accepted as a shipment straight from the Other World. The artist through whom the delivery is made is regarded with awe and approached as the carrier of a gateway. It is as if he or she is a doorway to the other side. More often than not, the artist is not observed while at work. When busy, he or she is occupied by Spirit. No one should disturb a person who is consulting with Spirit, or he may attract the Spirit’s wrath.”

— Malidoma Patrice Somé, The Healing Wisdom of Africa: Finding Life Purpose Through Nature, Ritual, and Community.