Yoruba, Nigeria: a pair of ‘ibeji twin figures’ (two items), female and male. Style: Ekiti.
Yoruba, Nigeria: a pair of ‘ibeji twin figures’ (two items), female and male. Style: Ekiti.
Twins are regarded as something special in the culture of the Yoruba people (for a more detailed explanation see cat. no. 47).
The present ‘ibeji pair', male and female, stylistically originates from the Ekiti Province (northeastern Yoruba territory). They are carved from lightweight wood and dyed black. Their hairstyles were originally blue-coloured (‘bluing’). In their large eyes, typical of the Yoruba, metal pins have been placed as pupils. On both cheeks they bear the customary tribal scarification marks. Their bodies are decorated with belts and bangles, carved out from the same piece of wood and bear remains of sacrificial offerings with redwood powder. They are a rare ‘ibeji pair’ – the Ekiti style does not appear often. They have minimal age-related damage (a few chipped edges), but with a good usage patina. Height: 28 cm and 29 cm. First half of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
Kegel-Konietzko Collection, Hamburg; currently: German private collection.
Lit.:
'Ibeji. The Cult of Yoruba Twins' by George Chemeche, ill. 231.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
09.06.2016 - 17:00
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 800.-
Yoruba, Nigeria: a pair of ‘ibeji twin figures’ (two items), female and male. Style: Ekiti.
Twins are regarded as something special in the culture of the Yoruba people (for a more detailed explanation see cat. no. 47).
The present ‘ibeji pair', male and female, stylistically originates from the Ekiti Province (northeastern Yoruba territory). They are carved from lightweight wood and dyed black. Their hairstyles were originally blue-coloured (‘bluing’). In their large eyes, typical of the Yoruba, metal pins have been placed as pupils. On both cheeks they bear the customary tribal scarification marks. Their bodies are decorated with belts and bangles, carved out from the same piece of wood and bear remains of sacrificial offerings with redwood powder. They are a rare ‘ibeji pair’ – the Ekiti style does not appear often. They have minimal age-related damage (a few chipped edges), but with a good usage patina. Height: 28 cm and 29 cm. First half of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
Kegel-Konietzko Collection, Hamburg; currently: German private collection.
Lit.:
'Ibeji. The Cult of Yoruba Twins' by George Chemeche, ill. 231.
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 - Africa |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 09.06.2016 - 17:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 04.06. - 09.06.2016 |