Featured african figure pendant bead necklace

hi all

something i found in a charity shop yesterday, only dead cheap like

wondering if its got any age to it, seem to have been about a bit

not sure what part of africa it would have come from

dont think its old old, but perhaps vintage

any thoughts appreciated

 

nice...

 

Looks like an Ashanti fertility necklace (female version)

 

Agreed.

 

The Ashanti/Asante Akuaba dolls are traditionally carved from wood, and are usually approximately 12-15" tall.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/77405687328716220/

"Characterized by their disk-like heads, abstracted horizontal arms, cylindrical torso with simple indications of breasts and navel, akua ba figures remain one of the most recognizable forms in African art. Consecrated by ritual specialists, they are carried by women who hope to conceive a child. The flat, disk-like head references the Akan ideal of feminine beauty of a round face and wide forehead. The rings on the figure's neck are a standard convention for rolls of fat, a sign of beauty, health, and prosperity in Akan culture. After influencing pregnancy, akua ba become family heirlooms, appreciated not only for their spiritual associations, but also as beautiful images that call to mind a loved one."
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/310941

The form has become so well known that it is becoming a pan-African subject, and such brass figurines are made as general lucky charms. The same techniques (lost wax casting) used for traditional West African gold weights are used to make them.

https://www.afrikrea.com/en/article...for-him-brass-cotton-statement-pieces/IEBQLPQ

http://decoartafrica.com/item/444-ashanti-art-akuaba-doll-pendant-1464

https://www.ewadara.com/en/recycled-brass-bracelet-with-akuaba-figure/5VFJMEFE/p

 

I learn something new nearly every day on this site!

 

Cool. Thanks for the info all.Found this one at the secondhand market a while back.

 

One eye looks really screwed-up