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Female Figure (akua’ba)
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An infertile woman would be advised by a priest to commission such a sculpture and care for it as if it were her baby. With the aim to induce fertility, or to ensure the birth of a healthy and beautiful daughter, the <em>akua'ba</em> figure is carried on the woman's back inside her wrapper. After a successful birth, the figure is placed in the priest's shrine as an offering, or it is given to the newborn as a toy.
| Artist / Maker | Anonymous, Fante-style maker |
|---|---|
| Date | late 1800s–early 1900s |
| Culture / Origin | Africa, West Africa, Ghana, Fante-style maker |
| Medium | Wood, hair, resin, and bone |
| Dimensions | Overall: 42.9 x 4.6 x 5.1 cm (16 7/8 x 1 13/16 x 2 in.) |
| Department | African Art |
| Type | Sculpture |
About the Artist
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
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