Seated female figure "eli mansa" ·  Ghana, Akan · ID: 3038315

Description

wood, partly shiny brown patina, remains of pigments, clan stool “dwa” in typical form, the figure carved with a patterned (“kente”) cloth, neckrings, necklace and elaborate coiffure, all details marking her as a person of higher rank, forefinger resting on the right cheek, min. dam., traces of insect caused damage (base), small missing parts, cracks;
“eli mansa” figures are displayed on ritual shrines, they should encourage the fertility of man, should guarantee successful births and thus secure the continuity of the clan. Furtheron they should provide sufficient food.