Description:

West Africa, Ghana, Asante (also Ashanti, Achanti) people, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden fertility figure known as an Akua'ba (also Akuaba) painted in brown pigment. The figure presents with a rod-shaped body, a pair of projecting conical arms, a narrow neck with several incised rings, and a discoid head with a minimalist countenance. The name Akua'ba (literally "Akua's child") comes from a legend of a woman named Akua who was unable to conceive a child until a priest suggested she carry a small wooden doll and treat it like an infant. Even though her local villagers laughed at her, she soon conceived a real child, and the practice became accepted. These dolls are always female because, as a matrilineal society, the women prefer female children to carry on their family line. Size: 5.125" W x 11.125" H (13 cm x 28.3 cm)

Provenance: private Englewood, Colorado, USA collection; ex-Martin Boxer collection; ex-Komor Gallery, New York, New York, USA, circa 1965

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#160633

  • Condition: Minor nicks and abrasions to base, body, and head, with light fading to pigment in some areas, otherwise intact and very good. Great remains of brown pigment throughout.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

January 7, 2021 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000