West Africa, Ghana, Asante (also Ashanti, Achanti) people, ca. 1980s CE. An impressive, hand-carved wooden figure known as an Akua'ba (also Akuaba) on an integral plinth, painted in a rich, black pigment. Depicted from the waist up, the stylized figure displays a columnar body with conical breasts, and an ovoid navel. Her muscular arms extend from broad shoulders, each bending at the elbow, so the right hand is placed on the torso and left is held behind the back. Her gigantic head presents generously lidded, almond-shaped eyes beneath elongated, arched brows, a sharp, tetrahedral nose, and full lips held gently parted, all beneath a centrally parted coiffure. An attenuated neck enveloped by several collar necklaces supports her huge head, which features an incised, geometric motif on the verso. Size: 7.4" W x 19.5" H (18.8 cm x 49.5 cm)

The name Akua'ba (literally "Akua's child") comes from a legend of a woman named Akua who was unable to conceive a child until a priest suggested she carry a small wooden doll and treat it like an infant. Even though her local villagers laughed at her, she soon conceived a real child, and the practice became accepted. These dolls are always female because, as a matrilineal society, the women prefer female children to carry on their family line.

Provenance: private Englewood, Colorado USA collection; ex-M. Komor Gallery, New York City, New York USA, acquired around 1965

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#166151

Old repair to base with restoration over break lines. Nicks, abrasions, and scratches throughout. Otherwise, excellent with nice pigments and great incised details.