Lot No. 55


Yoruba, Nigeria: a male ‘Ibeji’ twin figure. Style: Saki, Oyo.


Yoruba, Nigeria: a male ‘Ibeji’ twin figure. Style: Saki, Oyo. - Tribal Art

Among the Yoruba, in Southwest Nigeria, there is an above-average rate of twin births. For the Yoruba, twins have special significance (for a more detailed explanation, see cat. no. 54). The present, male ‘Ibeji’ twin figure is made of hard, light-coloured wood, displays typical tribal scarification marks on forehead and cheeks, as well as old iron pins as pupils. In its hairstyle, remains of a blue colouring through ‘bluing’ (‘Reckitt’s Blue’) and on its body remains of powdered redwood from earlier sacrificial offerings are recognisable. An age-related crack to the right side of the head and body. This ‘Ibeji’ wears an arm-ring of metal, a chain of small black and blue glass beads as a belt and stands on a round base. Good, heavy traces of usage patina. Style: Saki, Oyo.
Height: 26 cm; width: 8 cm.
First half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
South African private collection.

Lit.:
‘Ibeji. The cult of Yoruba Twins’ by George Chemeche, ill. 17, 24.

Specialist: Erwin Melchardt Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465

erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at

20.02.2017 - 14:00

Realized price: **
EUR 300.-
Starting bid:
EUR 240.-

Yoruba, Nigeria: a male ‘Ibeji’ twin figure. Style: Saki, Oyo.


Among the Yoruba, in Southwest Nigeria, there is an above-average rate of twin births. For the Yoruba, twins have special significance (for a more detailed explanation, see cat. no. 54). The present, male ‘Ibeji’ twin figure is made of hard, light-coloured wood, displays typical tribal scarification marks on forehead and cheeks, as well as old iron pins as pupils. In its hairstyle, remains of a blue colouring through ‘bluing’ (‘Reckitt’s Blue’) and on its body remains of powdered redwood from earlier sacrificial offerings are recognisable. An age-related crack to the right side of the head and body. This ‘Ibeji’ wears an arm-ring of metal, a chain of small black and blue glass beads as a belt and stands on a round base. Good, heavy traces of usage patina. Style: Saki, Oyo.
Height: 26 cm; width: 8 cm.
First half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance:
South African private collection.

Lit.:
‘Ibeji. The cult of Yoruba Twins’ by George Chemeche, ill. 17, 24.

Specialist: Erwin Melchardt Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465

erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at


Buyers hotline Mon.-Fri.: 10.00am - 5.00pm
kundendienst@dorotheum.at

+43 1 515 60 200
Auction: Tribal Art
Auction type: Saleroom auction
Date: 20.02.2017 - 14:00
Location: Vienna | Palais Dorotheum
Exhibition: 11.02. - 20.02.2017


** Purchase price incl. buyer's premium and VAT

It is not possible to turn in online buying orders anymore. The auction is in preparation or has been executed already.

Why register at myDOROTHEUM?

Free registration with myDOROTHEUM allows you to benefit from the following functions:

Catalogue Notifications as soon as a new auction catalogue is online.
Auctionreminder Reminder two days before the auction begins.
Online bidding Bid on your favourite items and acquire new masterpieces!
Search service Are you looking for a specific artist or brand? Save your search and you will be informed automatically as soon as they are offered in an auction!