Fertility doll "akua ba" ·  Ghana, Ashanti · ID: 3035242

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Description

wood, greyish white patina, remains of camwood powder in some areas, characteristic form, slightly dam., minor missing parts (mouth), traces of insect caused damage (lower part of the body), abrasion (nose), base;
the legend goes that a childless woman, called “akua”, asked a sorcerer for help. He recommended her to order the carving of a wooden child. “Akua” followed his advice and always carried the doll around with her. It was called “akua ba” which means no more than “Akuas child”. Finally she gave birth to a beautiful daughter" (according to I. N. Bell, 1989).

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Comparing literature

Bofinger, Brigitte & Wolfgang, Puppen aus Afrika, Stuttgart 2006, p. 36

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Publications

Wentinck, Charles, Modern and Primitive Art, Oxford 1974, ill. 14 a

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