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LOT 2352
African Wooden 'Akuaba Doll' Fertility Figure
ASHANTI TRIBE, 20TH CENTURY A.D.
12 3/8 in. (159 grams, 31.5 cm).
Carved from dark-coloured, lightweight wood in traditional form and dyed dark brown; with a large, round head, plain hairstyle, large eyes and typical tribal scarification marks on the forehead. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom Ghana, West Africa.
Ex private collection of Mr.N.J., Leicester, UK.
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.
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AUCTIONS:
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LOT 2352
African Wooden 'Akuaba Doll' Fertility Figure
Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
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African Bronze Fertility Figure Pair
Yoruba Tribe, early-mid 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £78
Comprising male and female standing figures, each with hands resting on extended abdomen; drum-shaped base. 2.23 kg total, 17-17.1 cm each
From Nigeria, West Africa. Acquired during 1950s. From an old Surrey, UK, oriental and ethnographical collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman. -
African Wooden Ceremonial Face Mask
Senufo Tribe, early-mid 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
Carved with a narrow face, narrow protruding sharp nose, slit eyes with some decoration, a closed mouth with protruding lips, bead and cowrie shell decoration to one ear and a bird's neck and head sculpture to the top of the mask. 1.12 kg, 36.5 cm
From Burkina Faso, West Africa. From a Glasgow ethnographical collection; formed 1940s-1950s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman. -
Brass Kano Pendant
Lobi Tribe, mid 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £7
Deltoid in plan and with slight midrib, shank with knop finial for attachment. 21 grams, 98 mm
From Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa. From an old Derby, UK, specialist collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
Lobi arts also include a wide variety of small human and animal images, implements, and more abstract symbols in copper alloy and iron. Some of these are worn as jewelry and some appear on shrines.
