Ashanti dolls

Female fertility is the basis of African society by ensuring, beyond the family, survival and continuity of the community. Cults aimed at the female fertility are numerous, and to support pregnancy and especially so that it goes smoothly, stylized representations of women are often used.

Dolls in Africa – Next ethnic doll is a different role and has a definite social function: Female fertility is the basis of African society by ensuring, beyond the family, survival and continuity of the community. Cults aimed at the female fertility are numerous, and to support pregnancy and especially so that it goes smoothly, stylized representations of women are often used. They represent a very stylized forms of the female body. The composition of these statuettes is always the same: a disk-shaped head surmounts a long ringed neck and body schematic cylindrical shape with protruding breasts. Two horizontal extensions, more or less conical, are the arms. They are often adorned with beads, dolls known to promote fertility in women they are brought back by the girls before marriage. These dolls, or more precisely, of sacred images, “liturgical,” which include the feminine beauty. They are carved with great care, adorned with ornaments and even dressed. By ethnic group, their role can sometimes be quite different: And to Akwaba of Ashanti and Fante be asked to accompany the pregnancy to term. Pregnant women wear them on their backs, wrapped in their clothes. Their function is to promote the birth of a beautiful child who has the aesthetic qualities of the statuette: a beautiful head, long neck. After playing their role, Akwaba are often placed on altars. The effigies are Akwaba women, women are particularly interested in Akan have a girl to ensure the family lineage.