Among the Yoruba, in Southwest Nigeria, there is an above-average rate of twin births. For the Yoruba, twins have special significance. They are considered to bring good fortune and blessing to their family. They have their own god, ‘Ere Ibeji’, and are honoured, sung to, etc. The Yoruba believe that twins only have one soul between them. If a twin dies, then such a ‘proxy figure’ must quickly be carved. A professional carver of the region does this. These figures, called ‘Ibeji’, are then venerated, cuddled, washed and fed, like a living twin. They are carried along by the mother, or placed on a house altar. The present, female ‘Ibeji’ twin figure is visibly old and long ‘cared for’. It is made of light-coloured hard wood, stands on a rounded base and wears a long necklace of small, red glass beads. Her hairstyle, towering above her head, is eroded due to age and weathering. There is an inventory number, in white letters, on the underside of the base. Style: Oshogbo, Oyo.
Height: 21.5 cm; width: 7 cm.
First third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
South African private collection.

Lit.:
‘Ibeji. The cult of Yoruba Twins’ by George Chemeche, ill. 69 to 77.