Shrine figure ·  Ghana, Ashanti · ID: 3037800

Description

wood, encrusted brown patina with remains of black paint, eyes with mirror glass inlay, two necklaces and apron of cloth, saturated with mass, separate worked arms, fixed by nails, compressed facial plane with eyebrows and nose forming a T-shaped zone, slightly dam. (nose, mouth, eyebrows), base;
presumably once part of a shrine collection. The figure is not a deity itself but a figure that witnesses offerings and prayers. Visitors to shrines during the ritual cycle or on certain special days offer eggs and drink to the “obosom”, the shrine spirit.

Comparing literature

van der Pas, Kathy et. al. (ed), Aspects, Akan cultures in Ghana, The Hague 2001, p. 73