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LOT 2365
African Ashanti Bronze Snake Gold Weight
AKAN TRIBE, 19TH-20TH CENTURY A.D.
9 7/8 in. (144 grams, 25 cm).
D-shaped in section with impressed segmentation to the back, raised head. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom an old Oxford, UK, collection.
From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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Ashanti Bronze Gold Weight Collection
Akan Tribe, 19th-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
Including a miniature cutlass with phallic ornament, anchor with ropework detailing and other items. 236 grams total, 3-10.2 cm
From an old Oxford, UK, collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman. -
New Guinea Wooden House Mask
Papuan, early-mid 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Carved as an elongated face with feather headdress, inlaid with cowrie shells and with hog tusks to the nose; grip handle in front of the mouth. 1.55 kg, 64 cm
Ex Bury St Edmunds, UK, ethnographical collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman. -
African Wooden 'Akuaba Doll' Wedding Fertility Figure Pair
Ashanti Tribe, early-mid 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
Each with exaggerated discoid head, squat body with stub arms, standing on a conical base. 985 grams total, 36-36.5 cm
From Ghana, West Africa. Ex private Cheshire, UK, collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
Among the Ashanti people in Ghana, women hoping for offspring carry these ‘Akuaba dolls’ in their clothes. Traditionally, these ‘Akuaba’ have a large, round, flat head that is reminiscent of its origin as a representation of the moon goddess, which is associated with fertility. Once the ‘Akuaba’ figure has fulfilled its purpose, the mother of the desired child places it on her domestic altar, where it is worshipped in a shrine, or she passes it on to the next generation.
