Two Yoruba "Ere Ibeji" carved wood figures with cowrie shell garment
Late 19th/early 20th century; Yoruba Peoples, Nigeria, Africa
Appears unmarked
Twin female statuettes held within a leather carrying bag which is adorned with cowrie and channeled bonnet shells, metal bells, and carved wood implements including a spoon and a comb, all covered with an indigo blue pigment; along with a clear Lucite display stand, 2 pieces
With stand: 20" H x 13" W x 6.5" D
Provenance: The Estate of Oscar and Barbara Leidenfrost

Other Notes: Yoruba peoples have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, 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" (literally meaning ere: sacred image; ibi: born; eji: two), remain a point of access to the spirit of the departed individual. The mother provides ritual care to the figures, bathing, dressing, adorning, and feeding them. Such daily handling is responsible for giving their surface its distinctive patina.

Proceeds to benefit non-profit organizations and educational institutions.

Overall good condition with scattered scuffs, scratches, nicks, shrinkage cracks, and indentations commensurate with age and use. Scattered areas of pigment flaking and loss on all surfaces. Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.