Fante Female Figure Articulated Arms GhanaTogo Africa Start Price USD 490.00 Current Price USD 490.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Tuesday, September 16, 2008 End Time Thursday, October 16, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Fante Female Figure Articulated Arms GhanaTogo Africa' Description Title: Fante Female Figure, Articulated Arms, Ghana,Togo Type of Object: Carving, figure Ethnic Group: Fante Country of Origin: Ghana,Togo Materials: Wood, white pigment Approximate Age: Mid 20th century (1950's) Dimensions: Height is 16 inches Overall Condition: Good Damage, Repair: stain Additional Information: This figure is typical of Fante carving of large figures as her arms are articulated at the shoulder and are placed horizontally in front of her as though she were holding something. The figure has a hole in the top of her head where something had been inserted in the midst of her fancily carved hairstyle. Also the hairstyle can be an indicator that the figure may have been of royal lineage. When Europeans first came to the area known as the Gold Coast (present-day Ghana) in the late 1400’s they met the people known as the Fante who are members of a larger culture and language group known as the Akan that includes among others the well-known Asante. This beautifully carved standing female figure was probably part of a grouping of figures on the drum support for one of the Ntan or Ompe groups, the popular drum ensembles found among the Fante. They are carved in a distinctive style with similar treatment of the face, hair and proportions of the body. Covered with white clay called hyire, the details of the face, hair, breasts and sandals of the figures are highlighted with darkly marked features. A figure such as this would have been a prominent corner piece of the drum stand where large drums leaning on their sides are supported on elevated platforms with sculptures attached to them. This is a classic figure of its kind and well deserving of a good collection and home.Further Readings:Mato, D. ‘Aspects: Akan Cultures in Ghana’. 2001.Cole, H.M. & Ross, D. H. ‘The Arts of Ghana’. 1978.I have examined this piece and agree with the descriptionNiangi Batulukisi, Ph.D. **015473** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!