Fante
Republic of GhanaFemale Figure, n.d.
Not on view
Wood with beads
Dimensions14 1/2 × 4 3/4 in. (36.8 × 12.1 cm)
Gift of Justice and Mrs. G. Mennen Williams, 1973.59
Probably a shrine figure and perhaps a priestess, the figure is very sensitively handled - especially the eyes, ears and hands. The marks on her face represent scarification, the neck rings are symbols of beauty, and the hairdo is elaborate and unusual. Beads, prized articles of adornment for centuries after the Portuguese discovered the coast, are worn around the waist and calves.
