Memorial head ·  Ghana, Kwahu/Akan · ID: 3040984

Description

terracotta, dyed in black (plant extract), kaolin, hollowed, ornamental decor at the back of the head, slightly dam., minor missing parts (projection on the head), some chips (neck, base);
such memorial heads were created to honour deceased chiefs, queen mothers, and other distinguished leaders. They were placed on special memorial sites as proved by pictures taken around 1900 by the Basler Mission. A characteristic of Kwahu sculpture are disc-shaped heads resting on a ringed neck, both were a symbol of beauty with the Kwahu and strongly remind of the fertility dolls of the Akan.

The object Memorial head with the object ID 3040984 was part of the auction 84th Tribal Art Auction on November 5, 2016. The object with the lot number 265 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,000 with an asking price of EUR 800.

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Comparing literature

Morin, Floriane & Wastiau, Boris (ed.), African Terra Cottas, Geneva 2008, p. 162 f. Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Encyclopedia of African Art and Culture, Munich 2009, p. 24 f.

Publications

Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Keramik aus Schwarz-Afrika und Alt-Amerika, Zürich 1985, p. 134

AHDRC: 0053851

Notices

This object is subject to the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Protection Act. Export documents are required for export (subjected to a fee).