Lot 97A
West Africa, Yoruba culture, Ibeji, ca. early 20th century. A matched pair of deceased twin figures, known as Ibeji, most likely from Osogbo or the Igbomina region of Yoruba land, skillfully carved from an inherently beautiful wood with lustrous patina, showing strong detailing particularly in their elaborate coiffures, the scarification marks adorning their cheeks, and bold facial features. Metal pupils/irises, generous indigo blue pigment on their high hairdos, and strands of black disc-shaped glass beads around their waists add to their striking appearance. 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. Furthermore, the deceased's soul must have a place to reside. Wooden figures, like this pair, keep the souls of the twins together. Size: taller twin 11.375" H (28.9 cm)
When a matched pair of twins is made, it is an indication that both human twins have died. This pair shows darkened, worn, and smooth surfaces which convey the devotion and respect to the Ibeji spirit. "Ultimately, the surface of an Ibeji measures the object's spiritual value to the caregiver. The response of the Yoruba mothers and caregivers is primarily personal and spiritual, not aesthetic. Even an Ibeji carved by a mediocre artisan can develop a surface reflecting great efficacy to the believer. The wood is worked, fed, oiled, and clothed not so much to fulfill an aesthetic ideal but to fulfill a human need "....taken from 'Ibeji Surface Analysis' by Charles Bordogna, in 'Surfaces' ed. Kahan, Page, Imperato, 2009 by Indiana Univ. Press.
Provenance: private Los Angeles, California USA Collection
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#132163
- Condition: One twin shows an old chip to one ear and one missing metal pupil. The other twin shows old loss to the integral round base. Both have stable age cracks. Both also present a very shiny patina.
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