Ashanti Terra-cotta Head

"The central and coastal regions of Ghana are occupied by people of the large Akan family, the best known of whom are the Asante and, further south, the Fante." [...]

Terra-cotta heads such as this were made by the southern Akan as memorials to deceased chiefs and queen mothers. They are idealized "portraits". Some formed part of elaborated assemblages in which the central figure was surrounded by courtiers and attendants. These assemblages were set out in some remote and tranquil place where periodic ceremonies were held to honor the deceased."

Bibliography: Werner Schmalenbach (ed.), African Art, Prestel-Verlag, Munich, 1988, p. 134