Female figure ("Akuaba")

Label TextBearing children is an essential goal for Akan women. A woman who has difficulty conceiving, or who wishes to ensure her baby’s well being, commissions an akua ba from a woodcarver at the advice of a priest. The broad head, neck rings and high forehead are indications of an ideal appearance. Throughout the pregnancy, the akua ba is treated well and after birth, it remains one of the woman’s most cherished possessions.

Object number81.17.326

Credit LineGift of Katherine White and the Boeing Company

Dimensions11 5/8 x 5 1/4 x 1 3/4 in. (29.6 x 13.3 x 4.5 cm) Overall h.: 31.6 cm

MediumWood, beads