Accession Number
1985/1.149

Title
Standing Figure

Artist(s)
Akan

Artist Nationality
Akan (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
circa 1950

Medium & Support
wood

Dimensions
12 in x 3 in x 3 9/16 in (30.48 cm x 7.62 cm x 9.05 cm);12 5/16 in x 3 15/16 in x 3 11/16 in (31.27 cm x 10 cm x 9.37 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Lydia Johnstone.


Subject matter
Although this figure is attributed to Akan-speaking peoples, the context in which it was used is unknown. It is possible this figure may have been carved for a shrine. There appears to be a patina on this figure, suggesting it could have been used in a ceremonial context.  

References Cited: 
Cole, Herbert M. and Doran H. Ross. 1977. The Art of Ghana. Los Angeles: UCLA Museum of Cultural History.

Physical Description
Standing figure on a square base. The head is large with a high, rounded forehead and wide cheeks. The almond-shaped eyes sit below slightly curved eyebrows. The mouth is closed. The neck sits atop a columnar body without arms. The legs are short and in an open stance. 

Primary Object Classification
Sculpture

Primary Object Type
figure

Collection Area
African

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form. Keywords
deities
figures (representations)
shrines (structures)