Akan Ashanti fertility statue with child - Ghana - 50 cm

Description

Impressive Akan Ashanti fertility statue from Ghana: a seated mother on a stool with her child on her lap. An expressive and spiritually strong object that immediately attracts attention.

Origin & meaning
Within Ashanti culture, fertility statues symbolise prosperity, continuity and the desire for healthy offspring. This image goes beyond the classic Akua'ba figures: the mother sits proudly on a stool while holding her child protectively. This imagery depicts fulfilled fertility and motherhood. The serene facial features, finely carved hairstyle and deep dark patina give the sculpture aesthetic elegance and spiritual power. Elaborate compositions with mother and child are scarce and much loved by collectors of tribal art.

Dimensions & condition
Height 50 cm, width 18 cm, depth 15 cm. The wood shows a warm patina with traces of ritual use. Purchased from auction house Under the Trees (2019).