A carved wooden effigy of a Twin with deep well handled surface patina and embellished with bronze rings, cowrie shells and old glass beads. The Yoruba peoples of Nigeria have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world, as such twins are regarded as extraordinary beings protected by Sango, the deity of thunder. They are believed to be capable of bestowing immense wealth upon their families or misfortune to those who do not honor them. Powerful spirits in life, twins are honored with carved memorial figures when they die. These figures, known as ere ibeji and are considered a medium to the spirit of the departed individual and is cared for as a living spirit, with the mother bathing, dressing, adorning, and feeding the sculptures. This figure measures 11.25 inches tall. Provenance: A Private New Jersey collection.

Good, very well handled