Ghanaian Ewe People Fertility Charm: "Aklama"
Collection: Everyday Connections
Object Category: Charms and Talismans
Object Type: Fertility Charms
Country: Ghana
Continent: Africa
Geographic Region: Western Africa
Materials: Wood
width: 5 in;
height: 14.5 in;
depth: 3 in
This figure is a fertility charm, "aklama", used by the Ewe People of Ghana.
The Ewe people, who live in southern Togo and Ghana are the eastern neighbors of Asante, make small wooden statues and textiles with figurative motifs and symbols. These aklama statues, roughly carved out of wood represent the protective spirits and are kept by the Ewe in their local shrines. The women keep these dolls under their mattresses to ensure fertility. Dolls with broken arms or legs were considered by the Ewe as more powerful. They ensured that children would be born healthy, with their arms and legs intact.
Source:
http://www.zyama.com/ewe/pics..htm