Akua'ba translates to "child of Akua." Akua is a mythical woman who is cured of barrenness by receiving such a figure from an okomfo (priest).* Fertility figurines like this one, with the large discus shaped head, are representative of the akua'ba of the Asante people in Ghana of West Africa.
These fertility dolls are carried on the back of women, who are hoping to conceive. Typically, the women will carry the akua'ba until the baby is born. When not actively being used, the akua'ba are still ritually washed and cared for.
Although akua'ba are still used in fertility rituals, one is most likely to see these akua'ba mass-produced and available in souvenir shops.
*https://wepa.unima.org/en/ghana/
- Subject Matter: Akua'ba Fertility Doll from the Asante People of Ghana, 20th Century, West Africa
- Inventory Number: 2014.43
- Collections: Sacred World Art Collection