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Shrine figure with movable arms
Asante
Early 20th century, 1900–50
Object Place: Ghana
Medium/Technique
Wood, fabric, cord, beads, metal coin, encrustation
Dimensions
Overall: 37 x 14 x 15 cm (14 9/16 x 5 1/2 x 5 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Geneviève McMillan in memory of Reba Stewart
Accession Number2009.2660
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAfrica and Oceania
ClassificationsSculpture
The Asante peoples of the Akan kingdom housed sacred materials and figurines in shrine "homes". The shrines used to be housed in elaborate buildings, some of which the government of Ghana has restored and turned into national monuments. Many Akan speaking peoples refer to all figurative sculptures as akua ma and these figures, along with other offerings, would be placed into the shrine room, which was dedicated to powerful deities.
Inscriptionsin ink on back of torso: "Mb10"; in ink underside of R foot: "A13"; label on underside of R foot: "85(189)"; label on underside of R foot: "standing figure (must check tribe)"; piece of tape under right foot
Provenance1967, sold by Mr. Kabah, Monrovia, Liberia, to Geneviève McMillan (b. 1922 - d. 2008), Cambridge, MA; 2008, to the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation, Cambridge; 2009, gift of the Geneviève McMillan and Reba Stewart Foundation to the MFA. (Accession Date: June 17, 2009)