University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois I-Mark

The items in the Digital Collections of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Library contain materials which represent or depict sensitive topics or were written from perspectives using outdated or biased language. The Library condemns discrimination and hatred on any grounds. As a research library that supports the mission and values of this land grant institution, it is incumbent upon the University Library to preserve, describe, and provide access to materials to accurately document our past, support learning about it, and effect change in the present. In accordance with the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read statement, we do not censor our materials or prevent patrons from accessing them.

If you have questions regarding this statement or any content in the Library’s digital collections, please contact digitalcollections@lists.illinois.edu

American Library Association’s Freedom to Read Statement

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility at the University Library
  Atom  JSON
Showing 1–0 of 0 items

Sorry, we couldn't find anything matching "Young pregnant women and women hoping to become pregnant carried this type of doll (akua'ba) to ensure the birth of a healthy and beautiful baby. The doll's form reflects Asanti ideals of beauty such as a high flattened forehead, small mouth and long, ringed neck. The size of the head in relationship to the rest of the figure reflects the Asanti cultural emphasis on the head and mind. A mother-to-be adorned her doll with jewelry, fed and bathed it, dressed it, carried it around during the day and put it to bed at night just as they would the baby after it was born. The African environment challenges human existence. Disease, drought, famine and both physical and human disasters threaten life. Large families are important both to assist in farming and also to continue to nourish the spirits of the ancestors through sacrificial offerings. As a result, many African objects (and art) are directed towards encouraging the fertility of women.".