The carver's tools were made by the local blacksmith and included various sized tillers, knives, chisels and files. Which one was used depended on the level of detail being worked on. When the right piece of wood was chosen for the sculpture, work began on cutting the disc-shaped head, the most difficult and delicate part. The talent of an Asante carver is judged on the delicacy, shape and balance he can bring to the head of the akua'ba. Ideally, the head is less than 1 centimeter deep in the middle and tapers to paper-thickness toward the edges. The connection between the head and neck should also be only 1 centimeter across. These areas become weaker over time, not only through use but also because the wood can dry out and thus warp and split along the grain. More precise tools are used to shape the body, breasts and arms, after which the neck rings and facial features are carefully carved with blades.
The eyes of this akua'ba are striking, not only are they carved in great detail, but the eyewhite and pupils are applied with dye, a unique feature compared to the akua'mma in other museum and private collections. Finally, the entire sculpture is sanded smooth and painted black. The paint on this akua'ba has worn off considerably; this flaking off is a typical characteristic of a synthetic dye. A dark to black color (tuntum) was associated with the night and ancestors. By applying this color to the akua'mma, they could form a bridge between the world of the living and that of the ancestors and the (as yet) unborn. A practiced carver could craft an akua'ba in an hour.