Seated Female Shrine Figure

Seated Female Shrine Figure
Ghana, Asante people, Attributed to Yaw Mprah
Ca. 1912-1979
Wood, clay and glass beads
(71.144)
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Milton Gross

This figure is probably from a witch-catching shrine. It does not represent a deity, but the child of a deity—a spiritual assistant. As embodiments of social propriety, such figures act against forces of witchcraft, which is greatly feared by the Asante, as well as by many other African peoples.

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