Figure

Item number Af589 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

Item Records

This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.

The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.

These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.

Data
Data Source

This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

A pair of thin akuaba figures side-by-side on a rectangular base that has a geometric triangular design on it. Both figures have extremely long, vertically rectangular heads with eyes, a thin nose line that extends to the brows above, and a small rectangular mouth. Multiple horizontal rings are carved around the long necks. The downward and outward flaring bodies have short arms or breasts at the front with a navel. The lower portion of the bodies are decorated with two pairs of multi-coloured beaded bands.

History Of Use

The name Akuaba comes from a legend about a woman named Akua who was barren but wanted to become pregnant. She was advised to commission the carving of a small child and carry it with her at all times, treating it as though it were real. The woman was mocked by her neighbours, but she eventually became pregnant and gave birth to a girl. Soon other women who wished to become pregnant followed suit. All Akuaba are female, partly because Akua’s child was female and also because the Fanti are matrilineal.

Iconographic Meaning

The long rectangular heads are specific to figures made by the Fanti people. Akuaba figures are characterized by high foreheads and small facial features set low on the face, all signs of great beauty. The carved rings around their necks represent rolls of fat- a sign of health, beauty and prosperity.