1: The female ‘Ibeji’ twin figure' (for a more detailed explanation see cat. no. 50) embodies the typical style of Ilobu, Oyo: with large, elongated nose, which proceeds in a sweep from the forehead directly downwards, with large outlined eyes, and lips and chin which protrude forwards. With scarification marks on both cheeks. The arms are slightly bent, hands and feet are noticeably large. The figure is adorned with metal bracelets on each arm. An old piece, with heavily worn patina due to long usage, as well as remains of earlier blue colouring on the hairstyle, and ritual offerings with powdered redwood. An old, white collector’s mark inscription can be recognised on the underside of the round base plate (scarcely legible). H: 28 cm. Between c. 1900 and the first third of the 20th century.
2: The male 'Ibeji'-figure corresponds completely to the style of Ede, Oyo: with the usual 5-pointed hairstyle, small, round head, large, protruding eyes which are half-covered by the eyelids. With short, offset nose and wide mouth. Scarification marks on the forehead, cheeks, chin and abdomen. The body has sloping shoulders, and small hands and feet. The ‘Ibeji’ figure is decorated with a necklace of small, old, black glass beads and a string with 16 iron pendants, as well as two bracelets of coloured large glass beads. The piece shows a very good, shiny usage patina, an original blue colouring on the hairstyle (by means of ‘bluing’), as well as traces of earlier ritual offerings (powdered redwood). An old collection label is stuck to the bottom of the rounded base plate. H: 27 cm. First half of the 20th century.
Both 'Ibeji' show no significant damage (only on the male figure are the hairstyle and ears on the back slightly chipped). Their stylistic types (Ilobu, Oyo; Ede, Oyo) are rare. (ME)

Provenance: Marcel de Schryver Collection, Geneva; Austrian Private Collection.

Lit.: ‘Ibeji. The Cult of Yoruba Twins’, fig. 62, 63, 66, 67, 68 and 95, 96, 97, 98, 101, 104.