What is a fertility doll?

African wooden Ashanti dolls - Fertility dolls

African hand carved Ashanti dolls also known as a Fertility doll. The fertility doll which originates from Ghana but can be found in many other African countries in western Africa, is given to a tribal woman who is wanting to become pregnant.

Furthermore, what is the Akuaba doll used for?

As already pointed out, the doll was primarily used as a fertility doll to charge barren women with fertility powers. The doll also has others functions. For example, the doll is used as a charm in searching for missing children. In times past, it was believed that dwarfs stole children.

Also Know, what is the meaning of the word Akuaba? Akua'ba are wooden ritual fertility dolls from Ghana and nearby areas. The best known akua'ba are those of the Ashanti people, whose akua'ba have large, disc-like heads. The form of the akua'ba has also gained currency as a general symbol of good luck.

Likewise, what material is the Akuaba doll carved from?

wood

Where does the Ashanti Akua Ba doll derive its name?

The name akua ba comes from the Akan legend of a woman named Akua who was barren, but like all Akan women, she desired most of all to bear children. She consulted a priest who instructed her to commission the carving of a small wooden child and to carry the surrogate child on her back as if it were real.

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What are the Ashanti known for?

The political, military, and spiritual foundations of the Ashanti nation date to the first Ashanti king, Osei Tutu. As they prospered, Ashanti culture flourished. They became famous for gold and brass craftsmanship, wood carving, furniture, and brightly colored woven cloth, called kente.