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Fine Antique Ashanti Doll, Ghana

Fine Antique Ashanti Doll, Ghana This highly stylised wooden doll is from the Ashanti, the largest sub-group of the Akan people. This doll demonstrates the carving skills of Ashanti carvers. The characteristic features of such dolls are a flat round disk-like head, a high forehead, annulated neck, outstretched arms and female sex. Such characteristics symbolised desirable traits for a woman in Ashanti society. The over-sized head symbolised intelligence. The roundness of the face symbolised beauty. Outstretched arms suggest generosity. They played multiple roles for an Ashanti girl: they served as playthings, were supposed to promote her fertility; and served as a protective charm during pregnancy. Often they were given to young Ashanti girls to promote their motherhood role. Caring for such dolls also was thought to promote fertility. Often such dolls were worn strapped to the back like a real infant. The dolls were consecrated by priests. Tradition has it that a woman, called Akua, was barren. She consulted a priest for advice. The priest suggested that she commission a carver to produce a small wooden child (dua ba). She then had to care for the wooden child as if it were her real baby. This she did, despite being mocked by the other women in the village. But, she had a beautiful daughter eventually. Thereafter, Ashanti women carried these dolls around to promote their fertility. Traditionally, Ashanti mothers preferred daughters. Ashanti society is matrilineal, which means a daughter will carry on the family name and inherit property. They would take extreme care during their pregnancies to avoid looking at anything ugly or deformed. They believe that the foetus may be affected by the view of ugly things. Therefore, by looking at the akuaba dolls (or plural akuamma), the expectant mothers imbue their foetus with the ideal of beauty. The doll here is in fine condition. It has excellent age and a lustrous patina. Dimensions: 12.5 ” H x 4″W Thank you for your interest in my curated selection of rare and unusual pieces! We have taken pride for over 20 years in our excellent reputation, and strive to satisfy our clients’ exact needs. Please note that we take great care in accurately describing our items, and we support that with a money back guarantee. If you receive a product that is not as described, we will promptly refund the cost once the item has been returned in good order. If you have any questions or require further images/information in order to make a decision please do not hesitate to contact us. Thanks and Best Regards, David Dixon and the Strange Imports Team