Asante
African Fertility Statue
from Ghana
(Akua'ba Fertility Statue reproduction dates back to
the 19th Century)
The Asante tribe lives in Central and South Ghana on the African
Subcontinent. Together with other tribes from this area, they form the Akan
Peoples. The artistic tradition of the Asante has had a great influence on all
decorative art from Ghana. The Asante sculptures are famous for their figurines
of women, known as "Akua'ba." They are usually between 8 to 16 inches
in height and have a big, round flat head on a stylized body. This shape fits
the ideal of feminine beauty of the Akan women: a high, flat forehead, small
mouth and long neck.
The Akan people attribute supernatural powers to this sacred figurine. It
stimulates female fertility and helps to conquer infertility. Women carry it
with them at all times and treat it like a real child. When the figurine has
proven its worth, it is added to the house altar. The small incisions in the
face are meant to protect the child against the fits. The other peoples of Ghana
have their own "Akua'ba." For instance, the fertility figurines of the
Fante have rectangular heads and those of the Bono have triangular heads.
Part of the Parastone Museum Collection of African artifact reproductions.
Asante Fertility Statue is made from resin with a wood finish, a black metal
base, and measures 8"High x 3.5"Wide x 1.25"Deep.
Part of the Parastone Mouseion 3-D Collection
of museum replicas and cultural artifacts. This statue has a lovely hand to it.
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Fertility Statues here- |
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