Cultural Wood Statuette of a Village Linguist from Ghana, "Okyeame"

Capture a piece of traditional African culture with this Ghanaian statuette. Hand-carved from sese wood by Elijah Kwaku, this statuette depicts a linguist, wrapped in a robe. Says the artisan, "The linguist (okyeame) is an important and respected office in the traditional Akan chieftaincy system, which is still functioning. The office is symbolized by a 'linguist's stick,' which must be present for the okyeame to exercise the duties and privileges of the office."