A fragmentary Akan terracotta funeral head

Akan terracotta funeral head refers to a type of sculptural work created by the Akan peoples of West Africa, particularly those from modern-day Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. The Akan are well-known for their rich cultural and artistic traditions, and their funerary art is especially significant in their social and religious practices.

These terracotta heads were often produced as part of burial rituals and were placed on the graves of important individuals, such as chiefs or high-ranking elders, to honour their memory and to aid their journey into the afterlife. They were believed to represent the spiritual essence of the deceased, often crafted in a stylized, abstract form that emphasized certain features that were symbolic or significant within Akan society.

Akan funeral heads in the fields, "Like other examples of African portraiture, these commemorative sculptures are idealized representations that convey individuality through specifics of scarification and hairstyle. The artist would typically be summoned to the deathbed of the deceased in order to observe his or her distinguishing characteristics, which she would depict later, working from memory to capture the individual’s essence. The figural terracotta sculptures vary enormously in style, ranging from fairly naturalistic and sculpturally rounded forms to examples that are solid, flat, and more dramatically stylized." Source: MET, NY

"While terracotta portraiture flourished among southern Akan peoples, it was virtually unknown to the Asante and the northern Akan. Royal family members commissioned terracotta portraits from female artists to be placed in sacred groves outside the village days or even months after they died. Periodically, rituals comprising libations, offerings, and prayers were performed at these groves in honour of the ancestors. Busts, standing and seated figures, and figuratively decorated vessels populated such groves along with commemorative heads, generally called mma ("infants"), of which the Cleveland's head is an example. These terracotta memorials were viewed as idealized portraits of the deceased, with the ancestor's identity suggested by cosmetic adornments, including scarification patterns and symbols of rank and prestige."

well documented in Lit.: Cole/Ross, 1977; Drost, 1967; Ghana Museum, s.d.; de Grunne, 1980; Holas, 1951; McLeod, 1981; George Nelson Perston, 1981; Rattry, 1927; Schaedler, 1985; Sieber 1972; Stößel, 1981.

Material and Technique: These heads were made from terracotta (clay that is fired to harden it). The technique used to create these heads was typically hand-built rather than thrown on a wheel, with clay being molded or sculpted into the desired shape. In some cases, the heads were also painted or polished for additional decorative effects.

Style and Features: The heads often feature exaggerated or stylized facial features such as large eyes, prominent noses, and elongated or circular shapes. The stylization reflects both the aesthetic and symbolic importance of these features within Akan culture, emphasizing traits like wisdom, nobility, and spiritual power. The sculptor's interpretation of the person's essence or character was often as important as a realistic likeness.

Function: These funeral heads were placed in graves or burial sites as part of a broader funerary ritual. They served as representations of the deceased, helping to ensure their spiritual presence in the community and facilitating their transition to the afterlife. In some cases, the head might be accompanied by other objects or symbols associated with the deceased’s life and status, such as beads or metal ornaments.

Cultural Significance: The Akan people believed in the continued existence of the soul after death. Creating a funerary head was part of honouring the deceased and reinforcing their importance in the community. This art form is tied to the broader Akan spiritual beliefs, which include ancestor worship and the belief in spiritual power transmitted through the lineage and family.

Regional Variations: The Akan peoples are not a monolithic group, and their pottery and sculpture traditions can vary by region and specific ethnic group. For instance, the Akan are composed of various subgroups, such as the Ashanti, Fante, and Akuapem, each of which has its own variations on funerary art.

In addition to funeral heads, the Akan are also renowned for their goldwork, beadwork, and other forms of artistic expression, all of which serve as visual manifestations of the spiritual and social structure of their society.

These terracotta funeral heads not only provide insight into Akan beliefs and funerary practices but also reflect their highly developed artistic traditions, which continue to influence contemporary African art.

Height: 27 cm without stand
Weight: 2,5 kg with stand

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