Shrine figure of a seated dignitary · Ghana, Akan, Fante · ID: 3047130
Description
wood, pigments, glass, sheet silver,
The figure wears a splendidly decorated wrap skirt and lavish jewellery. The disproportionately large head is carved with an elaborate hairstyle. She sits on a stool “dwa”, which additionally rises above a small platform, whereby she is additionally “ennobled”. In any case she represents a woman of high rank or a priestess.
A figure, possibly by the same artist, reproduced under AHDRC 0051417, showing great similarity in the naturalistic facial features, as well as in the elaboration of details (hairstyle, jewellery, shoes, pillow-like base, stool).
Publications
Cole, Herbert M. & Doran H. Ross, The Arts of Ghana, Los Angeles 1977, p. 113, Fig. 231Exhibition
Los Angeles: Frederick S. Wight Gallery, University of California, October 11-December 11, 1977; Minneapolis, Missesota: Walker Art Center, February 11-March 26, 1978; Dallas, Texas: Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, May 3-July 2, 1978