African Crafts Market

African wooden Ashanti dolls - Fertility dolls

Size: View images below for sizes

African hand carved Ashanti dolls also known as a Fertility doll.

The fertility doll which originates from Ghana but can be found in many other African countries in western Africa, is given to a tribal woman who is wanting to become pregnant. The doll is carried by the wishful woman and is cared for as if it were an actual baby while she is waiting for conception to occur. The women carries the doll and treats it like a real child, dressing it up, adorning it with jewelry and putting it to bed. Once birth is achieved the doll will be handed down to the child who will receive the fertility doll as a toy which in turns teaches the child how to cares for a young baby.

According to the myths of the Ashanti Fertility doll, the bearer of such a doll will give birth to beautiful and healthy children. Having Children in African culture is highly desirable and an indicator of prosperity.