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LOT 2360
African Wooden 'Akuaba Doll' Fertility Figure
ASHANTI TRIBE, LATE 20TH CENTURY A.D.
18 3/8 in. (532 grams, 46.5 cm).
Carved from light-coloured, lightweight wood in traditional form and dyed black; large, round head, with striated hairstyle to the centre, large eyes and three short lines representing the typical tribal scarification marks on the forehead; tapering body and stub arms, tiered base. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom Ghana, West Africa.
From the private collection of Mr N.J., Leicester, UK; acquired circa 2010.
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 2360
African Wooden 'Akuaba Doll' Fertility Figure
Sold for (Inc. bp): £46
-
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. -
African Wooden Ceremonial Face Mask
Ashanti Tribe, 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
A carved tribal mask with copper to the face and back of the head, a single horn to the top of the head and stylised legs. 484 grams, 47.5 cm
From Ghana, West Africa. From an old Surrey, UK, oriental and ethnographical collection; acquired during 1950s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman. -
Papuan New Guinea Polished Stone Axehead
19th-20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £20
Lentoid in section and linguiform in profile with fine polished surface. 457 grams, 18.5 cm
Acquired on the UK art market in the 1980s. From an East Anglian private collection.
