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The Akuaba doll is a fertilty doll used by the Akan-speaking people of Ghana.  A variety of these types of dolls are used throughout African cultures, and the world. 

The doll's name comes from the legend of a woman called Akua (meaning born on Wednesday) who was having trouble conceiving a child (ba).  A priest told her to commission a carving of a child to be carried about, fed, tended, and given gifts.  Akua followed his advice, and her hopes were realized.  Today,
traditional Akan-speaking women still use these dolls to insure fertility and
the birth of healthy children;  after the Akua'ba has fulfilled its
function, it can be placed in the family shrine. 

http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1991/2/91.02.04.x.html  lesson plan on ashante
http://www.randafricanart.com/Asante_akuaba_doll.html