Asante African Fertility Figurine (19th century)
The Asante tribe lives in Central and South Ghana on the African Subcontinent. Together with other tribes from this area, they form the Akan Peoples. The artistic tradition of the Asante has had a great influence on all decorative art from Ghana. The Asante sculptures are famous for their figurines of women, known as "Akua'ba." They are usually between 8 to 16 inches in height and have a big, round flat head on a stylized body. This shape fits the ideal of feminine beauty of the Akan women: a high, flat forehead, small mouth and long neck. More info.
From our Parastone Collection of Museum Replicas
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Zulu Ceremonial African Spoon (Zoulou, late 19th century)
The Zulu People live in what is now the South African province KwaZulu-Natal. Compared to other peoples in Africa, the Zulus did not produce a lot of sculptures. Most of their artwork consisted of utensils like cutlery and head rests. But of what is known, their artwork is usually of high artistic quality characterized by beautifully stylized forms, often decorated in a geometric style. More info.
From our Parastone Collection of Museum Replicas
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African Bangwa Anyi Mother of Twins African Statue
African Bangwa Anyi, Mother of Twins (early 19th century)
This touching figurine illustrates an African mother nursing one of her twin babies. As a mother of twins, she is known as an Anyi to the tribe and wears special attributes such as her hairstyle, her necklace made of the teeth of a panther (which she has turned on her back) and her bracelets. Her sitting pose and the decorated stool indicate she belongs to an important family. When a woman gives birth to twins she is assigned an almost godlike status. As an Anyi, she receives valuable necklaces with beads and two ritual mugs. Special wooden figurines are cut in her honor and her husband (the Tanyi). More Info.
From our Parastone Collection of Museum Replicas
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Eket Ibibio Marionette
The large Ibibio people live in southeastern Nigeria, between the Delta and the Cross River. The southern part of that area is inhabited by the Eket Ibibio. The social life of the Ibibio is determined by various secret societies. The key is the Ekpo (literally ancestor), consisting of a wealthy elite that determines the political and religious life. In exercising their functions, the members wear beautiful masks. Once every seven years, they organize an exuberant music and theater festival. These types of wooden statues are used as puppets. More info.
From our Parastone Collection of Museum Replicas
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African Luba Head Rest (19th century)
The renowned Luba people live in a vast area in the southeast of the West African democratic republic of the Congo. Their history of over 500 years is turbulent and violent, yet their artistic tradition is refined and harmonious. In Luba society, the artist was respected as a man of distinction, and could be identified by the ceremonial axe he always carried over his shoulders. One of his most sacred creations was the sculpted head rest. In daily life, it protected the vulnerable ceremonial hairstyle, but its symbolic meaning went far beyond that. It reflected the owner's well-being and social prestige, and it protected him against nightmares. The head rest was such an important personal possession that it was often buried with its deceased owner in his grave. More info.
From our Parastone Collection of Museum Replicas
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