Antique African Ashanti People Ghana Carved Wooden Fertility Doll Akuaba 13" tall
We are delighted to offer for sale this highly stylized antique wooden doll from the Ashanti, the largest sub-group of the Akan people. This doll demonstrates a flat round disk-like head, a high forehead, annulated neck, outstretched arms and female sex. Such characteristics symbolized desirable traits for a woman in Ashanti society. The over-sized head symbolized intelligence. The roundness of the face symbolized beauty. The annulated neck symbolized fatness – a sign of prosperity. Outstretched arms suggest generosity. A panel of engraved designs is on the back of the head were believed to be a protective device against witchcraft. A beaded necklace decorate the neck. The face is decorated with beaded earrings. There's another beaded chain close to the bottom of the doll.
Such dolls tended to be between 20cm and 40cm so the example here is larger in height (approx. 33.02 cm tall). They played multiple roles for an Ashanti girl: they served as playthings, were supposed to promote her fertility; and served as a protective charm during pregnancy. Often they were given to young Ashanti girls to promote their motherhood role. Caring for such dolls also was thought to promote fertility. Often such dolls were worn strapped to the back like a real infant. The dolls were consecrated by priests. Tradition has it that a woman, called Akua, was barren. She consulted a priest for advice. The priest suggested that she commission a carver to produce a small wooden child (dua ba). She then had to care for the wooden child as if it were her real baby. This she did, despite being mocked by the other women in the village. But, she had a beautiful daughter eventually. Thereafter, Ashanti women carried these dolls around to promote their fertility. Traditionally, Ashanti mothers preferred daughters. Ashanti society is matrilineal, which means a daughter will carry on the family name and inherit property. They would take extreme care during their pregnancies to avoid looking at anything ugly or deformed. They believe that the fetus may be affected by the view of ugly things. Therefore, by looking at the akuaba dolls (or plural akuamma), the expectant mothers imbue their fetus with the ideal of beauty.
Indeed a wonderful piece that will make the next owner very happy
13" tall x 5.25" width
Very good condition, please refer to photos. Please inquire for additional photos
Will be carefully packed an mailed with insurance and tracking confirmation