Ashanti, Ghana: An ‘akuaba’ fertility doll.
Among the Ashanti people, the largest tribe of the Akan group, women hoping for offspring carry these ‘akuaba dolls’ in their clothes. Traditionally, these ‘Akuaba’ have a large, round, flat head that is reminiscent of its origin as a representation of the moon goddess, which is associated with fertility. Once the ‘Akuaba’ has fulfilled its purpose, the mother of the desired child places it on her domestic altar, where it is worshipped in a shrine, or she passes it on to the next generation. The present, relatively small, but finely made ‘akuaba doll’ is carved from light-coloured, lightweight wood in traditional form and dyed black. With the typical large, round, flat head (with relief decoration on the back), a long neck shaped with notched rings, with short, stretched out arms, breasts and accentuated navel. Embellished with neck and waist chains (on the plinth of the figure) made of small, colourful glass pearls. A charming old piece with visible traces of usage (colour scuffed). First half to mid-20th century; H: 21.5 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Nolte Collection, Germany; German private collection.
Esperto: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
05.11.2014 - 13:00
- Stima:
-
EUR 1.600,- a EUR 2.000,-
Ashanti, Ghana: An ‘akuaba’ fertility doll.
Among the Ashanti people, the largest tribe of the Akan group, women hoping for offspring carry these ‘akuaba dolls’ in their clothes. Traditionally, these ‘Akuaba’ have a large, round, flat head that is reminiscent of its origin as a representation of the moon goddess, which is associated with fertility. Once the ‘Akuaba’ has fulfilled its purpose, the mother of the desired child places it on her domestic altar, where it is worshipped in a shrine, or she passes it on to the next generation. The present, relatively small, but finely made ‘akuaba doll’ is carved from light-coloured, lightweight wood in traditional form and dyed black. With the typical large, round, flat head (with relief decoration on the back), a long neck shaped with notched rings, with short, stretched out arms, breasts and accentuated navel. Embellished with neck and waist chains (on the plinth of the figure) made of small, colourful glass pearls. A charming old piece with visible traces of usage (colour scuffed). First half to mid-20th century; H: 21.5 cm. (ME)
Provenance: Nolte Collection, Germany; German private collection.
Esperto: Prof. Erwin Melchardt
Prof. Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Asta: | Tribal Art |
| Tipo d'asta: | Asta in sala |
| Data: | 05.11.2014 - 13:00 |
| Luogo dell'asta: | Wien | Palais Dorotheum |
| Esposizione: | 31.10. - 05.11.2014 |