Ashanti Figures (paired)
Ghana
A paired set of standing figures constructed along a vertical axis, each organised as a compact columnar mass, weight-bearing through base integration, the base continuous with the figure mass.
Description
Carved from a single wood block, each figure is structured with a large circular head set above a segmented neck of stacked rings, leading into a compact torso with projecting breasts and short lateral arms. The body expands downward into a widened lower section continuous with the base, carrying the full weight of the figure.
The figures are aligned frontally. Incised geometric motifs are distributed across the head and body. Figure 2 carries beaded drop earrings and a beaded waist cord; Figure 1 carries a plain fiber waist cord and no earrings. A repair is present along the right side of the crown of Figure 2, extending from the upper dome to the headband edge above the right ear. The figure was acquired in this condition.
Surface is compact and coherent. Patina is retained across both figures, with exposure at projecting elements. Incised areas remain defined; beadwork and cord bindings retained.
Context
Among the Ashanti, figures of this type are used within practices associated with fertility and childbirth.
Provenance
From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Ghana, 1965.
Details
- Title
- Ashanti Figures (paired)
- Culture
- Ashanti
- Origin
- Ghana
- Date
- 19th–20th century
- Dimensions
- Figure 1: H 77 cm (30.3 in) · W 25 cm (9.8 in); Figure 2: H 76 cm (29.9 in) · W 28.5 cm (11.2 in)
- Medium
- Wood with beadwork and cord
- Provenance
- From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Ghana, 1965.
- Condition
- Surface stable; exposure at projecting elements.
