Fanti (Fante, Agona), Ghana

Twins acua’ba. Fante peoples, along with Asante, comprise two of the largest and best known ethnic groups that make up the Akan. Akan is a generic term used to refer to a large number of linguistically related peoples who live in southern Ghana and southeastern Côte d'Ivoire. The wooden dolls (akua’ba) are associated with fertility. The best-known use of these figurines is an aid to conception, that is, the figure would be consecrated by a priest who invokes the influence of his cult deity to induce pregnancy. Women already pregnant may carry such a figurine to ensure save delivery and an attractive child. Among the Fanti twins are the most desirable, and such a doll may help.  If the birth is a success, the figurine may be returned to the priest’s shrine as a thank offering.

Material: wood

Size: H. 19½”, W. 4”, D. 3”