BoW-41 / Akua'ba - Akan (Abron), Ghana

Height: 6.75 in / 17.1 cm

ex private collection, US

Wood, pigment

This is the smallest figure in the collection, and also one of the more intriguing. Many of its details only reveal themselves when handled closely. The ears are carved as small arching forms set back from the face but aligned with the rear of the head. A small triangular motif at the base of the neck may represent a necklace. The nose curves subtly to one side, recalling forms seen on Pende mbangu masks, while the geometric designs on the upper head appear to twist at the center before extending upward, each line notched across the top. It is most likely by the same carver as figure #1672 in Ron van Doorn’s book Akua’ba Akan Wednesday Child.

$900 plus shipping