Ashanti Akua’ba Fertility Doll Ghana African Tribal Art Ethnographic Sculpture

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Antique Ashanti Akua’ba Fertility Doll, Ghana – African Tribal Art, Ethnographic Sculpture
A rare Ashanti (Asante) Akua’ba fertility doll from … Read more Antique Ashanti Akua’ba Fertility Doll, Ghana – African Tribal Art, Ethnographic Sculpture
A rare Ashanti (Asante) Akua’ba fertility doll from Ghana, hand-carved in wood and steeped in cultural and spiritual symbolism. This traditional African fertility figure exemplifies the artistry and heritage of the Akan people and remains one of the most iconic forms of tribal art from West Africa.
Cultural Significance:
Akua’ba dolls are historically associated with fertility, motherhood, and protection during childbirth. According to Ashanti legend, the first Akua’ba was carried by a woman named Akua, who after treating the figure as her child, conceived and gave birth to a daughter. From then on, these dolls became a symbol of fertility blessings and maternal hope.
Design & Symbolism:
* Disc-shaped head represents Ashanti ideals of beauty and vitality.
* Elongated ringed neck suggests prosperity and elegance.
* Minimalist, stylized features embody serenity and balance.
* Flat reverse allowed women to carry the figure in cloth wraps, mirroring the way infants were carried.
Use & Tradition:
Traditionally, women carried Akua’ba dolls to promote conception, ensure safe delivery, and bless the child with beauty and health. They were also entrusted to young girls as a teaching tool for maternal care.
Collectible Value:
Beyond their ritual function, Akua’ba dolls are celebrated as African ethnographic sculpture and highly collectible examples of tribal art and Akan craftsmanship. Their clean, geometric forms influenced modern design and are featured in major museum collections of African art worldwide.
Dimensions: 13.25 in H. x 6.5 in W. x 2.5 in Depth.
Condition: Very good vintage condition, with natural age patina adding authenticity.
From Ghana, 1930-1940.
An exceptional artifact of Akan culture and Ashanti heritage, this Akua’ba doll is ideal for collectors of African tribal art, fertility figures, ethnographic sculpture, or symbolic decorative objects.
The form of the akua’ba has also gained currency as a general symbol of good luck. The Akan (/'ækæn/) are a Meta-ethnicity living in the southern regions of present-day Ghana and Ivory Coast in West Africa. The Akan language (also known as Twi/Fante) is a group of dialects within the Central Tano branch of the Potou–Tano subfamily of the Niger–Congo family. See less