Fanti Figure

• Title Fanti Figure
• Category Sculpture
• Medium None Specified
• Dimensions 13.5"h x 4"w x 4"d
• Description The Fanti figure has a long narrow head and represents the Fanti ideal of beauty. Sometimes these are treated as dolls by young girls but are primarily worn as amulets by women who desire to conceive. Often called fertility figures, Akua’ba, are tucked into women's wrappers*. The pressure to become a mother in Africa is enormous so sculptures like these are widespread. From an early age, girls are taught that they must bear children and in adulthood this becomes even more prevalent. The holders of most high ritual positions are held by mothers. Children are also important for funerary practices, so it is the child's job to make sure their parent has a proper burial. These figures ensure the fertility of some women and restore it to others. *Elisabeth L. Cameron, “In Search of Children: Dolls and Agency in Africa.” (African Arts, vol 30., no. 2, 1997), 18-93.
• Notes The Fanti doll, with its' long narrow head, represents the Fanti ideal of beauty. They are used as dolls by young girls and sometimes women, who wish to conceive, wear them tucked in their wrapper as fertility dolls.
• Artist Fanti
• Credit Clyde and Annie Matters Collection
• Location Library Art Storage H6
• Accession Number 1994.0007
• Status Available Request this art work
  
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