Fertility doll "akua ba · Ghana, Fante · ID: 3052892
Starting price
EUR 1,000
Estimated price
EUR 2,000
Provenance
Canadian Private CollectionSize
H: 28,8 cm
H: 11.3 inch
Description
wood, pokerwork, hair, fiber, glass beads, base
The name of these dolls is rooted in a traditional legend: A childless woman named Akua - her name referring to a woman born on a Wednesday - turned to a priest in her distress.
He advised her to have a wooden figure carved and to carry it with her as if it were a child. Akua followed his advice, had the doll made, and carried it with her at all times.
The figure was called Akuaba, meaning “Akua’s child.” According to the tradition, her wish was eventually fulfilled, and Akua gave birth to a beautiful daughter.
Publications
AHDRC: 0222730