Mask - Ghana (No reserve price)

Fertility figures in Ashanti African art. This stylized female figure, bearing a wear from use, is called Akua'ba (plural Akua'mma). It features traditional characteristics: a flat, circular head atop a narrow torso with horizontal arms. Fine lines emphasize its volumes. Dark satin patina locally abraded.

These stylized wooden effigies were worn by pregnant women, tucked into their loincloths, to ensure the coming of beautiful children. The overwhelming majority of these statues are female, endowed with breasts.

The Ashanti are one of the ethnic groups of Ghana (formerly the "Gold Coast"), part of the Akan group, living in a forest-covered region. Like other peoples living in the central and southern part of Ghana, they speak a language from the Twi group. This people considers the woman as the final arbiter of all decisions. Fertility and children.