A single Ibeji female sculpture, standing on a wooden base, flat feet, slim bust, arched arms, hands on her thighs, a thick cylindric neck carrying a large sounded head, which is coiffed in a beautiful manner, the face is composed of large features, wide opened diamond shaped eyes pierced with a hole in the middle where a pin would have been, flattened lips, large ears, scarifications and other keloid marks around the body and face; glossy by use, signs of use, minor cracks.

“Yoruba peoples have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twins are regarded as extraordinary beings protected by Sango, the deity of thunder. They are believed to be capable of bestowing immense wealth upon their families or misfortune to those who do not honor them. Powerful spirits in life, twins are honored with carved memorial figures when they die. These figures, known as ere ibeji (literally meaning ere: sacred image; ibi: born; eji: two), remain a point of access to the spirit of the departed individual. The mother provides ritual care to the figures, bathing, dressing, adorning, and feeding them. Such daily handling is responsible for giving their surface its distinctive patina. Ere ibeji invariably represent their subjects with mature adult physiognomies, and are often crowned with elaborate hairdos.”

Source: The Met.

sold

Height: 23 cm
Weight: 160 g