Ashanti Akua Ba Doll

A moon for a face, and a very particular wish behind it.

Ashanti carvers of Ghana, West Africa, made this akua ba doll in wood in the 20th century. Akua ba are commonly associated with fertility, carried or kept by women hoping for a healthy child. The large, flat, disc-shaped head is incised with a fine pattern, a high brow and narrow eyes beneath it. A ringed neck leads to a short, T-shaped arm bar and a slim trunk. The surface is a deep, glossy black, and it stands on a simple metal base.

About 12 inches tall. Serene, a little watchful, and good company on a shelf.