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| Title | Akan; Queenmother figure |
| Description | 8.5'' ; wooden ; black. This figure may represent a Queenmother (Ohennaa) figure. The high forehead and distinct designs at the top of the head reflect Akan ideals of beauty. She is portrayed seated on a stool, representing her important role in the Ashante community. Her important role is illustrated by the fact that the ohemmaa adwa (queenmother's stool) is the most important stool in relation to the ohene adwa (king's stool). When they sit together, the (king) ohene is seated to the right of the ohemmaa. The queenmother is the co-ruler and has joint responsibility with the king for all affairs of the Akan community. The Akan ohemmaa could, under certain conditions, become the ''king, '' the omanhene. She is the only person who can criticize the ohene openly in public.The ohemmaa holds her title because of her seniority in the royal matrilineage and not because of any relation to a particular male. There is no knowledge that an ohene has ever chosen an ohemmaa. To the contrary, she, in fact, is the one who is principally responsible for the selection of the candidate when the king's office, the royal stool, becomes vacant. |
| Subject | Women in art ; Woodwork ; Shana - Ashanti Africa ; Art, African ; Artists. |
| Rights | Giertz Education Center @ the Krannert Art Museum |
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