This is an Akuaba figure made by an Akan carver from Ghana in West Africa. Akuabas are used as fertility figures.

While the artist has not carved this figure to look like a real person, he has given the doll features that the Akan consider beautiful. Play the game below to see if you can "Find the Flattering Features" in the doll.

Can you tell just by looking at this Akuaba what the Akan consider beautiful? Roll the cursor over the features that seem to be emphasized. If part of the doll gets darker, you have found a "flattering feature!"

ODYSSEY HOME NEAR EAST Egypt GREECE ROME

© Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University,
Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester and Dallas Museum of Art
For more information please contact odyssey@emory.edu.
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