BoW-21 / Akua'ba - Akan (Asante), Ghana

Height: 11 in / 27.9 cm

ex private collection, US

Wood, pigment

Another figure where the original blackened surface has been worn away through use, leaving a beautifully toned surface. What really makes this one for me is the profile. I love how the nose flows directly into the forehead, then drops off sharply above the mouth, which is rendered as a squared projection split horizontally. The carving feels confident throughout. I’m especially drawn to the body which is carved square rather than round, yet resolving into a rounded base. A subtle feature that I really enjoy.

$1000 plus shipping