A carved wood fertility figure in the Akuaba style associated with the Asante (Akan) peoples of Ghana, standing approximately 19 inches tall with a disc-form head measuring approximately 6 inches. The head displays the classic Akuaba features: a flattened oval face with arched, incised braided coiffure patterning and a central parting ridge, small coffee-bean/slit eyes, a straight nose, and a pursed mouth. The head is set atop a ringed neck, below which the body takes the form of a turned, baluster-style wood post with a diamond-form element and further turned sections descending to a rounded base.
Traditionally, Akuaba figures were carried by Asante women hoping to conceive or seeking a beautiful, healthy child, with the flattened, disc-like head reflecting the Akan ideal of beauty. This example's turned post body is a variation from the more common flat cruciform (arms-out) Akuaba torso, which is worth noting for collectors familiar with the classic form.
Details:
- Attribution: Asante (Akan) style, Ghana
- Material: Carved wood, dark stained finish
- Height: approx. 19 in; head width approx. 6 in
- Condition: Good, age-consistent surface wear (see photos)
- Style: Akuaba-form fertility figure, turned post body variant