Western Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, ca. first half of the 20th century CE. A wonderful set of matching ere ibeji twin figures carved from wood and displaying highly stylized anatomy. Nude, both female figures present standing atop integral plinths with lengthy feet and delineated legs, hands held down to their hips, and their conical breasts protruding out from in front of their rounded shoulders. Atop their squat necks are bulbous heads bearing bulging eyes, triangular noses with flared nostrils, full lips, and pointed ears, all beneath projecting, tri-lobed coiffures accentuated with deep blue pigment. A fascinating pair of wooden figures from the Yoruba! Size of each (both are relatively similar): 3.375" W x 11.125" H (8.6 cm x 28.3 cm)
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Mathews collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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#167499
Condition
One figure has repair to front half of plinth, with chips, a stable fissure, and light adhesive residue along break lines; second figure is intact and very good. Intact figure has stable fissures in front of the proper right arm and hip. Repaired figure has stable fissures down left side of abdomen as well as behind the neck, head, and coiffure. Both figures have light abrasions, heavy earthen deposits, softening to some finer details, and light fading to blue pigment. Great patina throughout.