Poupée de fertilité "akua ba" ·  Ghana, Fante · ID: 3042014

Description

wood, shiny brown patina, kaolin, three strings of glass beads, surmounted by a pair of horns, plaits and cobweb-like emblem at the back of the head, slightly dam. (right horntip), traces of insect caused damage (right leg, left arm, neck), base;
the legend goes that a childless woman, called “akua”, asked a sorcerer for help. He recommended her to order the carving of a wooden child. “Akua” followed his advice and always carried the doll around with her. It was called “akua ba” which means no more than “Akuas child”. Finally she gave birth to a beautiful daughter".