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LOT 2326
Indonesian Tau Tau Funerary Wooden Head
TORAJA PEOPLE, LATE 19TH CENTURY A.D.
8 1/8 in. (352 grams, 20.7 cm).
Carved in the round with large almond-shaped eyes, cruciform channels to upper face and rear, pierced attachment peg beneath. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom South Central Sulewesi.
Ex private Surrey, UK, ethnographic collection.
From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman.
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AUCTIONS:
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African Wooden 'Akuaba Doll' Fertility Figure
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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. 159 grams, 31.5 cm
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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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African Wooden Fertility Figure
Baule Tribe, early-mid 20th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
A carved standing figure with an elaborate hairstyle tied back with a band; scarification to the face. 904 grams, 35 cm
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