Mixed Media Akan Shrine Figure

This charismatic shrine figure exemplifies classic Akan sculptural motifs including arched eyebrows, beaded adornments and the use of natural pigment for highlighting. The figure’s facial features are charmingly dissonant: bulbous eyes, small mouth, square-based nose. Sacrificial residue on the figure’s patina, coupled with its fractured navel and right foot, indicate age and ritual use. Such defects only add to the striking appearance of the piece, with its dramatic two-toned pigment, criss-crossed protrusions patterned across the chest and back, ridged and elongated neck, and fanned skirt. A satchel comprised of mixed media (beads, cowrie shells, iron nail, leather, fiber thread) is slung across the figure’s lower torso, resting against the right hip. The hands are charmingly etched atop the stomach, elbows carved apart from the trunk.

17.5″

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