Description

The desire for healthy pregnancies and children crosses cultural boundaries. For Akan and Fante women, a sculpture carved with the features of the ideal local beauty can help achieve that goal. Though often misnamed a doll, the akua’ba is a spiritual tool that has been consecrated by a priest. Made in the shape of the adult woman that a baby will grow to become, this figure has an exaggerated high forehead and developed breasts. Beneath each eye, markings indicate the figure has undergone a local medical practice meant to prevent seizures. The long neck with fat rings symbolizes health, wealth, and prosperity. Akan and Fante legends recall how these sculptures were created by Akua, a woman who was unable to conceive. After speaking with a priest, she was instructed to have a small wooden child made, and to care for it as if it were real. Women carry the sculptures tied in wrappers against their backs, much as they would carry a real baby; the flat shape of the head aids in this arrangement. Until a successful pregnancy is achieved, the figures are fed, bathed, and cared for as one would a real child; this example's hair was braided. Once the akua'ba has done its job in aiding in a pregnancy, the figure is retired from use.