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This is a delightful example of one of Africa’s
most recognisable fertility idols, the
Asante Akuaba doll. Like most tribes, the Asante
hold fertility in extremely high
regard; those societies that do not grow are
doomed to fail. As a result, women are,
from an early age, constantly aware of the
importance of conception and successful
delivery of live children. Any failure to do so
would be construed as a disgrace and ill-
fortune not only for her, but for her family and
tribe. So to negate any ill-fortune, she
may visit the tribal medicine man to commission
a piece such as this.
Endowed with magical properties, these dolls are
treated as if they were real babies –
carried around, dressed, washed, fed and even
put to bed. It is likely that they do have
a positive effect on the prevalence of successful
conception, if only from a
psychosomatic point of view. Once born, the
child may be encouraged to play with the
doll, thus promoting maternal sentiment; while a
male child may be wished for, these
dolls are almost always female, partly because of
the matrilineal nature of Asante
society. The Asante are one of six tribes that go
to make up the Akan group. Their
society, which was founded in the 14th century,
has had a very turbulent history and
was involved in the 18th century federation that
took a golden stool as their emblem
and rose up against the European invaders.
The face is extremely well-rendered, with a
serene expression enhanced by the
addition of high arched eyebrows and nose in a
joined “T” format. The eyes and mouth
are identical in terms of form, in the so-called
“coffee-bean” design. The neck is
comprised of numberous rings that are meant to
represent necklaces, and thus wealth.
It is probable that this piece was carved for and
at the behest of a high-status member
of the tribe. The fact that it has been well-used,
and developed a good patina, would
seem to suggest that her prayers were answered.
This is a beautiful and eloquent
piece of Asante art.
- (DA.406)
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