Ashanti akuaba or fertility doll

Authentic African dolls, whether for play or for magic have been created and used for centuries. Among the most famous of these dolls are the Akuaba dolls of the Ashanti people in Ghana. Ashanti carvers allow themselves free reign in interpreting traditional elements; however, true Akuaba dolls invariably have a disc shaped head with high arched brows, a high forehead, and a straight nose. Women who are pregnant or wish to be pregnant remind themselves of the Ashanti ideal of beauty carrying Akuaba in the waistband of their skirts.

Women who are pregnant or wish to be pregnant remind themselves of the Ashanti ideal of beauty by carrying akauba in the waistband of their skirts

Although used by females, Akuaba dolls suggest that fertility and all it implies (abundance, good fortune, harmonious relations, and of course, pregnancy) are really the byproduct of the union of male and female. Dolls such as this acquire their magical power from the blessing of the diviner. They are placed on an altar after they have served their purpose, or then given as a toy to a girl.

Ashanti carvers allow themselves free reign in interpreting traditional elements; however, true Akuaba dolls invariably have a disc shaped head with high arched brows, a high forehead, and a straight nose

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