Akan Akuaba Wood Carved Female Doll

Ashanti / Akan peoples, Ghana, Mid–20th century

Ghana, West Africa, circa early to mid-20th century. Hand-carved from a single piece of dense hardwood, this classic akuaba figure is characterized by its large, flat, disc-shaped head symbolizing beauty and nobility, set with high-arched joined brows, delicate facial features, and pierced ears. The slender cylindrical neck is carved with concentric rings signifying prosperity, beauty, and health (fat rings), rising from a horizontal, outstretched horizontal arm bar with small, conical breasts and an incised navel centered on the cylindrical torso. The back of the disc head is incised with traditional geometric ideograms and an hourglass-like form, while the spine features a linear groove inlaid with white kaolin pigment. Adorned with a loop of colorful vintage glass seed beads at one wrist and a cord tie at the other, the doll rests on an integrated stepped rectangular base mounted to a custom stand. The sculpture displays an authentic, aged dark-brown surface with heavily encrusted patination, scattered handling wear, and minor chipping along the disc edge consistent with ritual use and veneration. Size 13 inches H. + plinth mount.

Provenance Ex Al & Cathy De Vido NY Architects.