Fertility Doll - Akuaba - Ashanti - Ghana
07
days
00
hours
30
minutes
25
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
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Selected by Dimitri André
Holds a postgraduate degree in African studies and 15 years experience in African art.
Estimate € 220 - € 250
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Fertility Doll, an original Ashanti Akuaba wooden figure from Ghana dating to the mid‑20th century, 25 cm high and in fair condition.
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Description from the seller
Ashanti Akuaba Fertility Doll.
Ghana.
Among the Ashanti people of Ghana, women wishing to conceive traditionally carry these figures, known as Akuaba dolls, tucked into their clothing. Characterised by their large, round and flattened heads, the figures are associated with fertility and are believed to originate from representations of the moon goddess. Once a child has been born, the mother may place the Akuaba on her household altar, where it is venerated in a shrine, or pass it down to the next generation.
This traditional Akuaba doll is carved from lightweight wood. It features a large, rounded head, arched eyebrows, small coffee-bean-shaped eyes and short lines on each of the cheeks representing traditional scarification marks. The neck is decorated with notched rings. Distinctive signs of wear can be observed on exposed areas, reflecting prolonged use.
Object type: Akuaba Fertility Doll
Tribe: Ashanti
Material: wood
Height: 25 cm
The condition and potential fragments or signs of wear are documented in detail through presented photographs.
Shipment is included following further defined rates. Other delivery or pickup methods can be organised accordingly.
Seller's Story
Galerie Mutu is home to African fine art, ethnography and unique interior objects.
Galerie Mutu est un lieu de découverte d'art africain, pour le collectionneur contemporain passionné.
Galerie Mutu looft cultuur, authenticiteit en vakmanschap van onze Afrikaanse voorouders.
Website: galeriemutu .com
Instagram: galerie.mutu
E-mail: info@galeriemutu .com
Ashanti Akuaba Fertility Doll.
Ghana.
Among the Ashanti people of Ghana, women wishing to conceive traditionally carry these figures, known as Akuaba dolls, tucked into their clothing. Characterised by their large, round and flattened heads, the figures are associated with fertility and are believed to originate from representations of the moon goddess. Once a child has been born, the mother may place the Akuaba on her household altar, where it is venerated in a shrine, or pass it down to the next generation.
This traditional Akuaba doll is carved from lightweight wood. It features a large, rounded head, arched eyebrows, small coffee-bean-shaped eyes and short lines on each of the cheeks representing traditional scarification marks. The neck is decorated with notched rings. Distinctive signs of wear can be observed on exposed areas, reflecting prolonged use.
Object type: Akuaba Fertility Doll
Tribe: Ashanti
Material: wood
Height: 25 cm
The condition and potential fragments or signs of wear are documented in detail through presented photographs.
Shipment is included following further defined rates. Other delivery or pickup methods can be organised accordingly.
Seller's Story
Galerie Mutu is home to African fine art, ethnography and unique interior objects.
Galerie Mutu est un lieu de découverte d'art africain, pour le collectionneur contemporain passionné.
Galerie Mutu looft cultuur, authenticiteit en vakmanschap van onze Afrikaanse voorouders.
Website: galeriemutu .com
Instagram: galerie.mutu
E-mail: info@galeriemutu .com
Details
Indigenous object name
Akuaba
Ethnic group/ culture
Ashanti
Country of Origin
Ghana
Period
Mid 20th century
Material
Wood
Sold with stand
No
Condition
Fair condition
Title of artwork
Fertility Doll
Height
25 cm
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
