Akua - Akan - Ghana
04
days
23
hours
06
minutes
56
seconds
Current bid
€ 12
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Julien Gauthier
A decade of experience in historical arms, armour, and African art.
Estimate € 170 - € 200
 | €12 |
|---|
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Description from the seller
Collection Ashanti / Akan Sculptures (12-piece lot) – Ghana, West Africa – 1950-2000s
A particularly rich and representative ensemble of no fewer than 12 traditional African sculptures and fertility figures, originating from the Ashanti / Akan people of Ghana.
The iconic Akua'ba (Akuaba) figure is among the most valued forms worldwide within West African tribal art. This extensive collection offers a complete stylistic overview of the Akan woodcarving tradition: from monumental sculptures with pushed (repoussé) brass fittings and fine geometric relief carving to free-standing figures with legs and rare miniature presentations.
As a group, this collection makes a powerful museal statement — excellent for the ethnographic collector or as a sculptural element in an eclectic, modern, or warm interior.
Symbolism & Meaning: The Akua'ba Tradition
According to Ashanti lore, a barren woman named Akua had a wooden child-figure carved that she cared for with love and devotion. Within the matrilineal Akan culture, these figures were worn by women to promote fertility and beg for a healthy, prosperous birth.
The form language reflects traditional beauty and status ideals:
The large, disk-shaped head: Symbolizes intelligence, spiritual openness, and female beauty.
The ringed neck: Refers to wealth, vitality, and physical plenitude.
Horizontally outstretched arms: An abstract cross-shaped silhouette that radiates rest, balance, and dignity.
Assembly of the 12-piece Lot
Monumental Akan Women's Bust with Brass Fittings (Repoussé):
Sturdy, expressive female torso with a high, fan-shaped headdress covered with a repoussé sheet of yellow copper/brass in geometric motifs, including brass accents at the décolletage.
Large Ashanti Akua'ba with Geometric Diamond Relief:
Dark patinated disk-head figure with a deeply incised braid/diamond pattern on the back (a hallmark of high-quality carving).
Large Akua'ba with Fine Incised Comb Hairstyle:
Classic large model with clean geometric hairline and profiled neck rings.
Large Disk-Head Figure with Soft Patina:
Dark hardwood sculpture with harmonious, curved eyebrows and cross-shaped arms.
Free-standing Figure with Legs and loincloth:
Unconventional, expressive type with fully carved legs, pronounced abdomen, and incised geometric details.
Tall Figure with Flaming/Marbled Patina:
Slim, upright sculpture with an expressive oval face and warm wood grain.
Akua'ba with Ear Ornaments:
Darkly polified figure with original worked rings on the earlobes and a stable round base.
Disk Figure with Weathered Cream/Two-tone Finish:
Characterful specimen with a light chalky layer on the front.
Classic Dark Brown Disk-Head Figure:
Traditional proportions with a warm glow and conical base.
Classic Dark Patinated Akua'ba Figure:
Refined stylized model with characteristic facial features and clean arms.
Polychrome Painted Miniature Akua'ba:
Fine miniature figure featuring a radial geometric motif in blue and white pigments on the disk.
Dark Patinated Female Miniature:
Small standing figure with detailed abdominal scarifications and a subtle glaze patina.
Specifications & Condition
Number of objects: 12 sculptures (sold as one complete ensemble)
Heights: Varying from about 12 cm (smallest miniature) to about 45–50 cm (largest figures)
Condition: Very good vintage / tribal condition. The wood shows a beautiful well-worn patina, light natural drying lines, and minor age- and use-related imperfection inherent to traditional handcraft, contributing to the authentic character.
Placement: Several figures stand on an integrated wooden base; a few figures are best displayed on a separate small plinth or felt pad.
Collection Ashanti / Akan Sculptures (12-piece lot) – Ghana, West Africa – 1950-2000s
A particularly rich and representative ensemble of no fewer than 12 traditional African sculptures and fertility figures, originating from the Ashanti / Akan people of Ghana.
The iconic Akua'ba (Akuaba) figure is among the most valued forms worldwide within West African tribal art. This extensive collection offers a complete stylistic overview of the Akan woodcarving tradition: from monumental sculptures with pushed (repoussé) brass fittings and fine geometric relief carving to free-standing figures with legs and rare miniature presentations.
As a group, this collection makes a powerful museal statement — excellent for the ethnographic collector or as a sculptural element in an eclectic, modern, or warm interior.
Symbolism & Meaning: The Akua'ba Tradition
According to Ashanti lore, a barren woman named Akua had a wooden child-figure carved that she cared for with love and devotion. Within the matrilineal Akan culture, these figures were worn by women to promote fertility and beg for a healthy, prosperous birth.
The form language reflects traditional beauty and status ideals:
The large, disk-shaped head: Symbolizes intelligence, spiritual openness, and female beauty.
The ringed neck: Refers to wealth, vitality, and physical plenitude.
Horizontally outstretched arms: An abstract cross-shaped silhouette that radiates rest, balance, and dignity.
Assembly of the 12-piece Lot
Monumental Akan Women's Bust with Brass Fittings (Repoussé):
Sturdy, expressive female torso with a high, fan-shaped headdress covered with a repoussé sheet of yellow copper/brass in geometric motifs, including brass accents at the décolletage.
Large Ashanti Akua'ba with Geometric Diamond Relief:
Dark patinated disk-head figure with a deeply incised braid/diamond pattern on the back (a hallmark of high-quality carving).
Large Akua'ba with Fine Incised Comb Hairstyle:
Classic large model with clean geometric hairline and profiled neck rings.
Large Disk-Head Figure with Soft Patina:
Dark hardwood sculpture with harmonious, curved eyebrows and cross-shaped arms.
Free-standing Figure with Legs and loincloth:
Unconventional, expressive type with fully carved legs, pronounced abdomen, and incised geometric details.
Tall Figure with Flaming/Marbled Patina:
Slim, upright sculpture with an expressive oval face and warm wood grain.
Akua'ba with Ear Ornaments:
Darkly polified figure with original worked rings on the earlobes and a stable round base.
Disk Figure with Weathered Cream/Two-tone Finish:
Characterful specimen with a light chalky layer on the front.
Classic Dark Brown Disk-Head Figure:
Traditional proportions with a warm glow and conical base.
Classic Dark Patinated Akua'ba Figure:
Refined stylized model with characteristic facial features and clean arms.
Polychrome Painted Miniature Akua'ba:
Fine miniature figure featuring a radial geometric motif in blue and white pigments on the disk.
Dark Patinated Female Miniature:
Small standing figure with detailed abdominal scarifications and a subtle glaze patina.
Specifications & Condition
Number of objects: 12 sculptures (sold as one complete ensemble)
Heights: Varying from about 12 cm (smallest miniature) to about 45–50 cm (largest figures)
Condition: Very good vintage / tribal condition. The wood shows a beautiful well-worn patina, light natural drying lines, and minor age- and use-related imperfection inherent to traditional handcraft, contributing to the authentic character.
Placement: Several figures stand on an integrated wooden base; a few figures are best displayed on a separate small plinth or felt pad.
Details
Indigenous object name
Akua
Number of objects
12
Ethnic group/ culture
Akan
Country of Origin
Ghana
Material
Wood
Condition
Good condition
Provenance
Private collection
Authenticity
Original/official
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