Bariba, Republic of Benin (formerly Dahomey): a very rare, female ‘ibeji’ figure of the Bariba, with a crocodile carved in relief on its back.
Bariba, Republic of Benin (formerly Dahomey): a very rare, female ‘ibeji’ figure of the Bariba, with a crocodile carved in relief on its back.
The Bariba are a small neighbouring tribe of the Yoruba people in the country of Benin (formerly Dahomey). From their larger neighbours, the Yoruba, the Bariba have adopted the famous ‘twin cult’ based on the figures of twins known as ‘ibeji’ (for a more detailed explanation see cat. no. 64).
The present, female ‘ibeji’ twin figure originates from the Bariba. Inlaid with eyes made of metal (lead?) and rich hangings of chains of coloured glass beads, amongst them two chains with six British colonial coins featuring dates ranging from 1932 to 1943. Standing on a round base, with good, shiny patina. An old collection number in white lettering on the underside. A special and unusual feature of this ‘ibeji’ figure is the presence of two scarification marks incised in deep relief: a transverse herringbone stripe on the chest, and the figure of a crocodile on the back.
Height: 26 cm. First half of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance: German private collection.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
06.04.2017 - 15:00
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 500.-
Bariba, Republic of Benin (formerly Dahomey): a very rare, female ‘ibeji’ figure of the Bariba, with a crocodile carved in relief on its back.
The Bariba are a small neighbouring tribe of the Yoruba people in the country of Benin (formerly Dahomey). From their larger neighbours, the Yoruba, the Bariba have adopted the famous ‘twin cult’ based on the figures of twins known as ‘ibeji’ (for a more detailed explanation see cat. no. 64).
The present, female ‘ibeji’ twin figure originates from the Bariba. Inlaid with eyes made of metal (lead?) and rich hangings of chains of coloured glass beads, amongst them two chains with six British colonial coins featuring dates ranging from 1932 to 1943. Standing on a round base, with good, shiny patina. An old collection number in white lettering on the underside. A special and unusual feature of this ‘ibeji’ figure is the presence of two scarification marks incised in deep relief: a transverse herringbone stripe on the chest, and the figure of a crocodile on the back.
Height: 26 cm. First half of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance: German private collection.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 06.04.2017 - 15:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 01.04. - 06.04.2017 |