Figure: Female (Akua Ba)

Asante

Not on view

Characterized by their disk-like heads, abstracted horizontal arms, cylindrical torso with simple indications of breasts and navel, akua ba figures remain one of the most recognizable forms in African art. Consecrated by ritual specialists, they are carried by women who hope to conceive a child. The flat, disk-like head references the Akan ideal of feminine beauty of a round face and wide forehead. The rings on the figure's neck are a standard convention for rolls of fat, a sign of beauty, health, and prosperity in Akan culture. After influencing pregnancy, akua ba become family heirlooms, appreciated not only for their spiritual associations, but also as beautiful images that call to mind a loved one.

Figure: Female (Akua Ba), Wood, beads, fiber, Asante

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Figure: Female (Akua Ba), Wood, beads, fiber, Asante
Figure: Female (Akua Ba), Wood, beads, fiber, Asante

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.