View - ArtCore

Ashanti Akuaba Doll

Collection: African Art Collection
Description: This highly stylized doll is from the Ashanti, the largest sub-group of the Akan people. The female doll has a flat round disk-like head, a high forehead, annulated neck, and outstretched arms. stool has a traditional base. It is carved from a single piece of wood. A panel of engraved geometrical designs are engraved on the back of the head. The wood is stained, shows sign of use and is in good condition.
Artists/Makers: Akan Ghana Read Biography

Akan

GEOGRAPHY / CULTURE GROUP: Ghana, Akan. The Ashanti people are part of the much larger Akan group. Akan people are a population of farmers living in current day Ghana, Ivory Coast, Togo and Benin. The Akan take tremendous pride in traditional ceremonies, regalia, and cultural practices. The society is arranged in chiefdoms. Rulers are known by a variety of names including King, Chief, Nana and Asantehene. The Akan are known for their cocoa, ceramics, staffs, textiles, dolls, gold jewelry and elaborate funerals. The highly stylized Akuaba dolls are often worn by children and are believed to promote fertility.
Student Work: No
Culture: Ashanti People
Geography: Ghana
Medium: Stained Wood
Classification: Sculpture
Accession Number: 2022.01.018
Accession Date: May 2022
Donated By: Reginald and Celeste Hodges
Donation Date: May 2022