Among the Yoruba people twins are regarded as something special. They have their own god, ‘Ere Ibeji’, are honoured in a separate cult and are considered to bring good fortune and blessing to their family. Another peculiarity is that, among the Yoruba, twins are thought to share one and same soul! Should one of them die, a vicarious figure of wood is carved for him (or her). This guarantees that the common ‘twin soul’ is complete again. These figures, called ‘Ibeji’, are placed on specific domestic altars and treated like living twins: they are washed, fed, cuddled, sung to, brought sacrificial offerings and honoured.
Carved out of a single piece and stylistically very well executed, the present male ‘Ibeji’ stands on a round base plate and displays typical proportions (large head, smaller body). The high hairstyle in relief terminates in two points, the forehead, temples and cheeks display typical tribal scarification marks. The hairstyle is partly coloured with ‘laundry blue’, the body shows remains of redwood powder used in earlier sacrificial offerings. With finely executed details (hands, feet, pubic hair etc.), and with good, old usage patina as well as shiny patina on exposed areas. Style: Oshogbo/Oyo.
First half of the 20th century; H: 28 cm. (ME)

Lit.: 'Ibeji. The Cult of Yoruba Twins' by George Chemeche, fig. 69, 70, 71 passim.