Twins are regarded as something special in the culture of the Yoruba people (for a more detailed explanation see cat. no. 47). The present, female ‘Ibeji Figure’ is especially beautiful and delicately carved. She has a tall, four-row crested coiffure with traces of a blue colouring by means of ‘bluing’, as well as distinct, reddish traces of sacrificial offerings with redwood powder on her body. It is a small sculpture, beautifully carved from hard, brown wood. See, for example, the hairstyle, the outlined eyes, the customary tribal scarification marks, the hands, feet etc. She wears a belt around her hips, made from small black-dyed, wooden disks. There is only minor damage: an old piece has broken off the left ear. Otherwise no damage. It has an excellent shiny patina due to years of ‘looking after’ this twin figure. On the round base plate, carved out from the same piece, an old collection number can be found on the back and underneath, written in white: '65.11.7'. Height: 27 cm. First half of the 20th century. Provenance: Private collection of Dr. Karl-Ferdinand Schädler, Munich, Germany (ME)

Lit.: 'Ibeji. The Cult of Yoruba Twins' by George Chemeche, ill. 55, 56, 57.