Akan? (Ghana) Figure Wood, cowrie shell, string Akan? (Ghana) Figure Wood, beads

While the exact origin and purpose of these figures are not certain, there are similarities in style to that of the Akan. Style in West African art is generally the result of three elements: the social structure, the function of the object, and the identity of the figure. Some stylistic preferences that are common to many West African cultures are the prominent elongated neck and neck rings which denote beauty, prosperity, and good health. Disproportionate body parts, where the head is oversized, the torso columnar and the legs uncharacteristically short. While the head is often a symbol of intelligence, identity, beauty, and life, the torso is recognized for its importance in digestion and reproduction. These traits reflect the Akan ideal of beauty.