Ashanti Seated Female Figure

A woman, a seat, and a row of small spikes keeping her company.

This seated female figure was cast in bronze by Ashanti metalworkers of Ghana, West Africa, in the 20th century. Ashanti brass casting is widely known for goldweights and small figures, often made by the lost-wax method. She sits upright in a long, flaring skirt, hands on her thighs, with a striped coiffure and a necklace at the throat. Star-like points project from either side of the seat, and the whole piece rests on a thin worn base. The metal has darkened to brown, brightening on the high points.

About 4.5 inches tall. Composed, formal, and entirely unbothered by the clutter around her.