Description:

West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba culture, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A collection of 8 hand carved wood shrine and Ibeji figures of both male and female genders. Some are painted with blue and white pigments, most are nude with tattooed cheeks / scarification marks, and one has aluminum rings around the arms. The Yoruba have one of the highest numbers of twin births in the world, four times higher than in Europe, for example. The Yoruba believe that twins are two people who share one soul, if one dies, whether as a child or an adult, the surviving twin is considered to have little hope of living with only half a soul. A figure dedicated to the deity of twins is carved to be the earthly abode of the spirit of the deceased. Size of largest kneeling: 3" L x 3" W x 10.25" H (7.6 cm x 7.6 cm x 26 cm)

Provenance: private Superior, Colorado, USA collection

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#178034

  • Condition: Old inactive insect activity and holes on the largest figure. Stable pressure fissures, nicks, small losses and abrasions to the rest. Surface flaking and weathering to white-gray figure.

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September 14, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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