Fante Wood Fertility Fetish: Female

A flat paddle of a head, a round belly, and a very direct stare.

Fante carvers of Ghana, West Africa, made this female fertility figure in wood in the 20th century. Related Akan figures are commonly associated with wishes for healthy children. The tall, trapezoid head is flat and slightly tilted, with a heavy brow and narrow eyes. A rounded torso with a navel leads to short bent legs and dark, bulbous feet. The wood is deep reddish brown, on a black base.

About 14 inches tall. A figure with presence, and not a bit of small talk.