Loading, please wait...
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.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
African Wooden Ceremonial Figure
Madagascan Tribe, 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £33
A painted female figure in knee-length robe with a white glass bead necklace, mounted on a later black wooden display base. 157 grams, 28 cm
From South Madagascar. From an old Shrewsbury, UK, ethnographic collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman. -
African Wooden Ceremonial Face Mask
Dan Tribe, early 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £57
Carved wooden mask of oval profile with narrow slits for eyes, pursed lips, a ribbed forehead, bands of applied textile and cowrie shells; tall fabric-covered headdress with applied cowrie shells and other ornament. 2.1 kg, 72 cm long
From Ivory Coast, West Africa. Private Hampshire, UK, collection of tribal art; acquired in the 1960s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
This is a Dan Dean Gle Mask. Its functions are to teach, entertain and nurture. One of the most spectacular dances of the Ivory Coast is the dance of the stilt walkers, it is a ritual dance that protects the village and is celebrated during ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, initiations, and other special occasions. -
African Bronze Figure on Horseback
Edo Tribe, 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
Substantial bronze horse model with harness, bridle and saddle, a rider figure and four biconvex wheels. 2.33 kg, 18.4 cm high
From Benin. Ex Surrey, UK, ethnographical collection. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
