Among the Yoruba in Nigeria twins are regarded as something special. They are considered to bring good fortune and blessing to their family. They have their own god, ‘Ere Ibeji’, are worshipped, sung to, washed, fed, etc. Furthermore, the Yoruba believe that twins only have one soul in common. If one twin were to die, the surviving twin would only have half a soul. Therefore, such a ‘proxy figure’ must swiftly be produced. These figures are called ‘ibeji’. In the area of settlement of the Yoruba people, in south-west Nigeria and in neighbouring Benin (formerly Dahomey), many different styles of these ‘ibeji’ figures have developed over the course of time.
The present, fine, and old male ‘ibeji’ figure clearly shows the style of the well-known dynasty of carvers, the Igbukes, from the city of Oyo. With elongated head, drooping shoulders, as well as with the typical tribal decorative scarification marks on the face, on both arms, on the abdomen as well as on the back. Standing on a round base decorated in relief. With a chain of small, coloured glass beads on the right arm and with remains of powdered redwood from earlier rituals involving sacrificial offerings. A perfect, fine piece of the highest quality, with good, old patina. Without damage.
Height: 29 cm. First third of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: Gert Stoll, Galerie Schwarz-Weiß, Munich; currently: Dr. Karl-Ferdinand Schädler, Munich.

Lit.: ‘Ibeji. The Cult of Yoruba Twins’ by George Chemeche, ill. 1–12.