A single Yoruba Ibeji, standing on an eroded wooden base, flat long feet, thin bust, protruding navel, slim shoulders, thick neck carrying an oval shaped head composed of youthful features, a small pointed mouth, stout pointed nose, two diamond shaped eyes which would have been punctured with a small nail, leaving a hole, the head is coiffed with a conical shaped hair doe, delicately carved, the glossiness of the sculpture suggests it has been polished and adorned by its owner; the base is eroded, some cracks, signs of use.

“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: 26,5 cm
Weight: 260 g