The matriarch heads the elephant herd. This is usually the oldest female and is the mother or grandmother of most of the other elephants within the group.
In this painting, she is a reference to the Cosmic Primal Mother who watches over us with her wisdom, experience and Love and passes on her precious treasures to all subsequent generations.
It gives a sense of protection, guidance and strength and reminds us of our connection to our Cosmic Mother, Spirit and Source.