145 East Walnut Avenue
Monrovia, CA 91016
United States
John Moran Auctioneers is a family-owned and operated company, and market leader and trendsetter in sales of California and American art. We offer more works of California Impressionism, California Style watercolors, and Western art than any other auction house. Our personalized approach is our trad...Read more
Two ways to bid:
Price | Bid Increment |
---|---|
$0 | $25 |
$500 | $50 |
$1,000 | $100 |
$2,000 | $250 |
$5,000 | $500 |
$10,000 | $1,000 |
$20,000 | $2,500 |
$50,000 | $5,000 |
$100,000 | $10,000 |
$200,000 | $25,000 |
$500,000 | $50,000 |
$1,000,000 | $100,000 |
Apr 11, 2023
Two Yoruba "Ere Ibeji" carved wood figures with cowrie shell garment
Late 19th/early 20th century; Yoruba Peoples, Nigeria, Africa
Appears unmarked
Twin female statuettes held within a leather carrying bag which is adorned with cowrie and channeled bonnet shells, metal bells, and carved wood implements including a spoon and a comb, all covered with an indigo blue pigment; along with a clear Lucite display stand, 2 pieces
With stand: 20" H x 13" W x 6.5" D
Provenance: The Estate of Oscar and Barbara Leidenfrost
Other Notes: 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.
Proceeds to benefit non-profit organizations and educational institutions.
Overall good condition with scattered scuffs, scratches, nicks, shrinkage cracks, and indentations commensurate with age and use. Scattered areas of pigment flaking and loss on all surfaces.
Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.
Shipping. As a courtesy to buyers, Moran provides a list of preferred shippers who are in the business of transporting antiques and works of art. Buyers are responsible for arranging their own shipping estimates and deliveries. Moran, in its sole discretion and as a courtesy to buyers, may arrange to have purchased lots packed, insured, and forwarded by a third-party shipper at the request, expense, and risk of the buyer. In circumstances where Moran arranges for such third-party services, Moran may apply an administration charge of 15% of that service fee. Moran assumes no responsibility for acts or omissions in such packing or shipping by other packers or carriers, even if recommended by Moran. Moran also assumes no responsibility for any damage to picture frames or to the glass therein. Buyers are strongly encouraged to collect purchased items from the sale site at the time of the auction. Packing material and labor are provided free of charge at the sale site during the auction. Packing and handling of purchased lots is undertaken by Moran solely as a convenience to customers. If a buyer opts to use this courtesy packing and handling service, Moran is not liable for damage to property, regardless of cause. Following the auction, uncollected lots shall be relocated to and stored in Moran's warehouse. Moran shall retain possession of all purchases until full payment has been received from the buyer. Lots remaining uncollected after the fifth business day following the sale, regardless of payment status, are subject to a per-lot daily storage charge of $10.00. In addition to other remedies available by law, Moran reserves the right to impose upon delinquent buyers a separate 1% monthly charge (of the purchase price, or the maximum permitted by law) commencing on the sixth business day after the sale date. If a buyer fails to retrieve a purchased lot within thirty (30) days after the date of sale (the "Retrieval Period"), Moran may, without further notice, (a) continue to store the lot in Moran's warehouse, or at the warehouse of a third-party, subject to the storage charge described above; (b) deliver the lot to the buyer at the buyer's expense; or (c) sell the lot at auction without reserve at a place and time determined by Moran in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Moran has no duty to store any lot indefinitely. Any purchased lot that remains in Moran's possession sixty (60) days after the Retrieval Period (collectively, ninety (90) days) will be deemed abandoned ("Abandoned Property") and title to it will pass to Moran. Moran may, in its sole discretion, discard or sell any Abandoned Property and may keep any proceeds from any such sale. Moran may not be held liable for any claims related to Abandoned Property. Moran is not responsible for damage or loss that occurs to Abandoned Property and Moran is not responsible for insuring Abandoned Property after the Retrieval Period.