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Ibeji
Nigeria
Ere Ibeji twin figures
Yoruba
Ilobu style, Oyo area
Early 20th century
Carved wood and pigments
Height: 30 cm & 31 cm – 11 ¾ in. & 12 ¼ in.
Provenance
Acquired from Hausa trader Mallam Abba Kallah in the 1960s
Ex collection Balint B. Denes, Tucson, USA
Ex collection Willy Okwerekwu, Boston, USA
Ex private collection, Italy
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The statuettes linked to twin worship, are called ere ibeji in the Yoruba language: ere signifying a sacred image, ibi born and eji a double. Symbols of prestige, wealth and fecundity, ere ibeji figures also guaranteed the perpetuation of future generations. These
effigies of ancestors were an integral part of everyday activities, punctuating the family life of the Yoruba.
Subject to very codified rituals, ere ibeji figures were pampered, with their care including feeding, washing and oiling.
They were considered to be living beings, a reincarnation of ancestor-twins. Representations always showed them at the peak of their strength and power in adulthood.
effigies of ancestors were an integral part of everyday activities, punctuating the family life of the Yoruba.
Subject to very codified rituals, ere ibeji figures were pampered, with their care including feeding, washing and oiling.
They were considered to be living beings, a reincarnation of ancestor-twins. Representations always showed them at the peak of their strength and power in adulthood.
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