Figure, 20th century

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Ghanaian legend tells of a young Asante girl named Akua, who, after having trouble conceiving, consulted a diviner. The diviner recommended that Akua commission a woodcarving of a small child and that she treat the statue as she would a real child. When the people of her village saw Akua carrying the wooden child on her back in her wrapper, they laughed and teased her. However, Akua soon gave birth to a healthy baby girl. Her success inspired other women to have carvings made and in her honor, they became known as Akua'ba, Akua's child. Today, akua'mma (pl.) are largely produced as souvenirs for sale to tourists.

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Details
Title
Figure
Role
Artist
Dimension
14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm)
Accession Number
92.100.2
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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