Female shrine figure
Ghana, Fante
sold
EUR 750
Provenance
Karl-Heinz Krieg, Neuenkirchen, Germany, collected in situ (1960’s)Hermann Sommerhage, Duisburg, Germany
Dutch Private Collection
Size
H: 37 cm
H: 14.6 inch
Description
wood, honey brown patina, kaolin and black paint, string of glass beads, presumably the figure held a child in front of her lap, which is now missing, traces of kaolin which originally covered the whole figure, min. dam., cracks, missing parts (foot tips), base;
the colour white “hyire” is important to the Fante. Priests and priestesses during rituals associated to their shrine will cover their bodies in white powder to celebrate the gods. Figures in shrines will also be covered with white clay to indicate their spirituality. During their time of pregnancy women will wear white and after a successful delivery both husband and wife will wear white to celebrate their new child.