Lot 121D
West Africa, Yoruba, ca. early 20th century CE. A male "ere ibeji" figure standing with both arms at his sides upon an integral base that is carved with an attractive cross-hatched pattern. The figure is adorned with many strands of multicolored beads, three strands around his neck, one around each wrist in addition to a strand of cowrie shells around each wrist, one strand of beads around his waist, and finally a strand of beads around each ankle. Beads were a sign of status and wealth among the Yoruba. Clearly this individual represented a person of import. He presents with a characteristically elongated face delineated with a somber expression comprised of closed lips, a full nose, large bulging eyes with large lids, scarification marks upon his cheeks and forehead, cup-shaped ears, crowned with a tall coiffure composed of two upswept, plaited sections linked by a pair of centrally placed braids, highlighted in indigo blue pigment. A wonderful example with a rich dark brown patina and red pigment remaining on the surface. The Yoruba have traditionally had a high rate of multiple births and have always valued twins as special. When one twin dies, a figure dedicated to Ibeji, the deity of twins, is carved to be the earthly abode of the spirit of that twin. The figure is then nurtured by the mother and/or the surviving twin. 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. Further, the deceased's soul must have a place to reside. Hence, a figure dedicated to Ibeji is carved to shelter the spirit of the deceased twin. A wonderful example commemorating this poignant custom. Size: 9.75" H (24.8 cm)
Provenance: Ex - Adeon Gallery, Chicago, IL before 1975
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#115882
- Condition: A few stable age cracks. Gorgeous deep brown patina and overall excellent.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |