Visual Art Paper 2 (Essay) WASSCE (SC), 2023

Question 6

 

(a)         List any seven characteristics of Akuaba    dolls.         

(b)        State any four functions of Akuaba dolls.

 

Observation

The question was attempted by many candidates averagely. The candidates were expected to answer in the following way:

 

(a)                    Characteristics of Akuaba dolls
-           Some with flat round disc-like head.   
-           Round flat faces.  
-           High foreheads.
-           Small mouth/slit mouth, small nose.
-           Outstretched arms/short projecting arms.
-           Usually devoid of legs.
-           Small pointed breasts.
-           Wearing earrings.
-           Hint of navel.
-           As a female figure.
-           Carved in wood.
-           In abstract form/idealized.
-           In miniature sizes.
-           Long ringed neck.
-           Darkened with black colour.
-           Hairy/heavy eye brows.
-           Highly symbolic.
-           Cylindrical torso.  

                                        

(b)                    Functions of Akuaba dolls     
-           It is used for ritual purposes.
-           It is used for fertility.
-           It enshrines the soul of the nation.
-           It is used for religious activities.
-           It is used for ceremonies.
-           To ensure giving birth to beautiful children.
-           As children’s dolls.
-           Used as good luck charm.
-           As charm for finding missing children.
-           For social control (as childless woman is buried with it to ward her spirit never to return to life childless.
-           To prevent their dead twin children.
-           To ensure the arrival of true baby.
-           Represents Ghanaian standard of idealized beauty.