West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A female "Ere Ibeji" twin figure, hand carved to represent a deceased twin, standing with her hands placed upon her hips, upon an integral round platform. The Ibeji is nude with prominent and pointed breasts, delineated genitalia, rounded shoulders, a thick neck, a large nose, oversized eyes, incised mouth with full lips, curved and unpierced ears, and a broad brow. Her swept-back coiffure is arranged from several rows, finely incised with cross-hatch patterns, and displays traces of vibrant blue pigment in hair lines and above one eye. A very fine example with a nice patina and remains of red cinnabar pigment. Size: 2.125" L x 2.75" W x 9.375" H (5.4 cm x 7 cm x 23.8 cm).
The Yoruba have traditionally had a high rate of multiple births and have always valued twins as special. When one twin dies, a figure dedicated to Ibeji, the deity of twins, is carved to be the earthly abode of the spirit of that twin. The figure is then nurtured by the mother and/or the surviving twin. The Yoruba have one of the highest number of twin births in the world, four times higher than in Europe, for example. Ibeji are known to the Yoruba as two people who share one soul. If one of the human twins dies, whether as a child or an adult, the surviving human twin is considered to have little hope of living with only half a soul. Further, the deceased's soul must have a place to reside. Hence, a figure dedicated to Ibeji is carved to shelter the spirit of the deceased twin.
Provenance: ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA, acquired prior to 1970
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#122135
Condition
Surface wear commensurate with age, tip of one breast missing with reddish deposits along finer details, and minor wear to base. Rich and earthy patina.