Click Here for New Arrivals! African Doll: The Ashanti believe that the children gain their "ntoro" (spirit) from their father and clan membership from their mothers' blood, "mogya". In turn, a female child’s entire life was a preparation for motherhood. Even now, the "Akua'ba" (fertility doll) of the Akan (ancestors of the Ashanti) and Ashanti are used by young women hoping for a child. Legend has it that a woman, who has worn one of these dolls, will give birth to a beautiful child. Bodily aesthetic beauty to the Ashanti is a long neck, a high forehead and a small mouth. The normally user of this doll will have it prayed over, have it strapped to her back and carry it the way she would a real child and generally tend to this doll as if it had life. Quite often though, larger sized dolls such as this one will be kept indoors and receive daily libations and prayers. It is used as a symbol of good fertility for the entire household. This is a beautifully crafted older piece offers precise detailed tribal scarification on the long neck, arms and an unusual etched coiffure design on the rear of the head. The entire doll is slightly encrusted with libation residue and is slightly worn from exposure. Chains of tiny beads used as personal adornment have been placed around the neck and along the sides of facial area by the previous owner. Please click photo for enlargement! Sold See Order button below. When OFFLINE click button to leave a message! Dimensions: 15 1/2 inches tall x 4 1/2 inches from the widest point. Wt: 5 lbs. shipping Item 553b$135.00 Head Please click photo for enlargement! BackPlease click photo for enlargement! Top backPlease click photo for enlargement!