Fertility Doll (Akua'ba)

Made in Ghana by the Asante people. Akua'maa are carved wooden figures that are believed to induce pregnancy and ensure a safe delivery. Fertility rites are conducted by a priest giving the blessing of the fertility deity; afterwards, the woman carries it and treats it like a real child, dressing it up, adorning with jewelry and putting it to bed. After the birth of a daughter, a mother may give the doll to the child to play with and teach child care. The fertility dolls are always female. The Asante society is matrilineal, family lines being passed from mother to daughter so it is essential that the woman have daughters to perpetuate the family line. The Akau'maa illustrate the Asante concept of beauty : a high oval, flattened forehead that in reality is achieved by massaging an infant's soft skull; a small mouth; and a neck ringed to depict creases caused by fat indicating a healthy diet.

13" tall, hand made

Please note: The doll we send you may not look exactly like the picture nor be exactly 13 inches tall...they are handmade and each one is slightly different.