West African Culture
Ebony statuette, 'Third World Trouble'
This statuette outlines a pregnant woman leading her two little children alongside her, while carrying a curiously tall column of baskets.
Teak statuette, 'Industrious African Housewife'
A young mother walks to the market with poised elegance despite the weight of her basket as she embraces her child with arm affection in this striking teakwood sculpture by George Obeng.
Wood statuette, 'Roguish Rooster'
This proud rooster is a cocky fellow. Nana Adu Amankwapam I carves the bird by hand from naturally dried sese wood. Alert and beautiful, the face is carefully sculpted in realistic detail, and bright bead inlays adorn the crest and breast.
Wood fertility doll, 'Future Child'
Short limbs and a large head establish this child as a toddler. Elegant handloomed kente cloth and beads clothe the figure, carved by Salihu Ibrahim. It represents a kirdi doll, traditionally kept by women of the Dawayo tribe in Cameroon.
Wood sculpture, 'Ideal Woman'
Lithe and active, her energy and fluid grace captivate all those who love her. Walter Kuma sculpts an abstract image depicting Obaa Sima (Ideal Woman) in the language of Ghana's Akan people.
Wood fertility doll, 'Ashanti Akuaba'
Kwame Frimpong depicts a beautiful young woman he names Akuaba. Referring to a fertility doll, the word means "Akua's daughter;" Akua is the name given to every Ashanti girl born on Wednesday.
Wood statuette, 'Bird of Good Fortune'
Crimson eyes gaze from the golden features of an Akan personage. A bird poses on the forehead, bending downward toward the nose. Named Kra Pa or "Good Soul" in the Akan language, this sculpture by Eric Danquah symbolizes good fortune.
Wood statuette, 'Efua'
Efua receives her name for being born on a Friday and according to Ashanti tales she was of remarkable beauty and chastity, and all the men wanted her hand in marriage.
Wood statuette, 'Tuesday's Girl'
Airy open work gives a light feel to this charming statuette by Kwame Frimpong. Working with only manual tools, he transforms sese wood into the portrait of a girl.
Wood statuette, 'Be Strong'
Young and proud, a thoughtful personage contemplates the message � Hyeden (Be Strong!) Eric Danquah carves a powerful image, discovering a poignant humanity in its sese wood features.