Final answer:
The title of the artwork is Akuaba, which are traditional wooden fertility dolls from the Akan people of Ghana. These culturally significant dolls were part of the Akan's rich artistic tradition and served to represent beauty and family values within their society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The title of the artwork is Akuaba which refers to wooden ritual fertility dolls from the Akan people, particularly from Ghana. These dolls are characterized by their distinct flat disc-like heads and stylized shape. The Akan cultural object known as Akuaba is traditionally carved in wood and is deeply embedded in the rich artistic traditions that include wood and gold craftsmanship. The Akuaba dolls were important as they were kept as family treasures and represented the beauty of a cherished child.
The Akan societal structure supported artistic expression through the patronage of the king and royalty, leading to a flourishing of different forms of artwork, including the creation of Akuaba figures. Art within the Akan chiefdoms served more than an aesthetic function; it was a way to reinforce social identity and prosperity. The preservation of these artworks was particularly challenging due to the humid climate that could naturally decompose materials such as wood, as well as external threats such as European colonization.