Large fertility doll "akua ba" ·  Ghana, Fante · ID: 3036539

Description

wood, black patina, twelve strings of miniature glass beads, the dolls are carved with arms and legs which is unusual for that kind of dolls, characteristic: neckrings and the board-shaped head, incised scarification marks, slightly dam. (nose, breast, rims of the head), missing parts (both foot tips), base;
such dolls are said to have forces to support human fertility. They received their magical power from a deity via the diviner’s blessing. Childless women used to carry them with them and treated them like real children. After fulfilling their “mission” they were either dedicated to the deity, placed on a shrine, or they were given to a child for playing.