Akuaba Fertility Figure

Title of the work: Akuaba Fertility Figure (Akua’ba)
Population of origin: Akan/Ashanti
Geographical area: Central-southern Ghana
Date: 20th century (first half or mid-20th century)
Material: Carved wood; yellow glass bead necklace
Dimensions: H. 30 x 11 x 5 cm
Original function: Ritual fertility object: sterile or pregnant women wore it to promote conception. A protective symbol for the unborn child. Often given as a ceremonial toy to girls, to familiarize them with motherhood. In some cases, it was used in funerary or transitional contexts (initiations, puberty, etc.). The name derives from an Ashanti legend according to which a woman named Akua, mocked for her sterility, received an oracle order to carry a wooden figure with her. After treating it like a daughter, she conceived a boy. Since then, the figure has been called “Akua’ba” – “Akua’s child”.