ASANTE AKUA'BA FERTILITY DOLL 1, Ghana

Photographs by Matt Mrachek © Hamill Gallery

ASANTE (ASHANTI), AKUA'BA FERTILITY DOLL 1, 19", $300, SOLD

The Asante Akua'ba is probably the most famous of traditional African sculptures. Figures like these were carried by girls and women to promote their fertility and to ensure the beauty and health of their offspring. The round, flat disc heads, columnar body with outstretched arms and smooth, black surface convey the Asante (or Ashanti) ideal of beauty.

More elaborate than the more common type, this doll has a square carved "body" inset with glass. Despite its patina it show no signs of age or tribal use and was probably made for the art market.

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