West Africa, Yoruba culture, Ibeji, ca. early 20th century. A nice example of a deceased female twin figure, known as an Ibeji, most likely from Osogbo or the Igbomina region of Yorubaland (spanning Nigeria, Togo, and Benin). 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 female figure shows 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 indigo violet-blue pigment, the bold facial features, and the details on the body. Most likely the figure originally had beads or some kind of clothing covering some of her body. Size: 3.35" W x 8.65" H (8.5 cm x 22 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Peter Arnovick collection, San fran, CA

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#117398

Feet have been broken off at ankles as shown. Surface wear and cracks.