Lot 207
**Originally Listed At $250**
West Africa, Yoruba culture, Nigeria, Ibeji, ca. early 20th century. A finely carved wooden deceased male twin figure, known as an Ibeji, most likely from Osogbo or the Igbomina region of Yoruba land. Size: 10.875" H (27.6 cm)
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. When a twin dies, a figure dedicated to Ibeji, the deity of twins, is carved to be the earthly abode of the spirit of that twin. Wooden figures, like this one, are created to keep the souls of the twins together. This male figure shows darkened, worn, and smooth surfaces which convey the devotion and respect to the Ibeji spirit. Take note of the painstaking attention to details, particularly the elaborately carved coiffure painted with organic red pigment, the incised scarification marks on the cheeks and belly, the metal eyes, the red pigment remaining on surface, and most impressive, the elaborate adornment with strands of blue beads around his waist and strand of cowrie beads on each of his wrists. Beads were a sign of status and wealth among the Yoruba. A wonderful example.
Provenance: Ex - Adeon Gallery, Nick Poolos collection, Chicago, IL acquired before 1970
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#113804
- Condition: Face and areas to back with termite damage as shown.
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| $300 | $999 | $50 |
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| $5,000 + | $500 |