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
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
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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
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