-40%
ERE IBEJI with adornments, Yoruba, Nigeria, Africa
$ 13.72
- Description
- Size Guide
Description
The female Ibeji standing on a low almost square base, the hands against the hips, with a carved skirt, aroundthe neck two bracelets of tiny beads
, around the right wrist and around the left wrist also a copper bracelet, an original high hairdo (now with extensive damage)
with little remains of indigo blue colour ( picture 12),
the statue with a dark partly shiny (touch) patina and encrustations with remains of cam wood powder.
Yoruba peoples have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world (0,05%). As a result, twins are regarded as extraordinary beings protected by Sango, the deity of thunder. They are believed to be capable of bestowing immense wealth upon their families or misfortune to those who do not honor them. Powerful spirits in life, twins are honored with carved memorial figures when they die.
More than just memorials, these sculptures are regarded as containers for the soul of the deceased.
These figures, known as
ere ibeji
(literally meaning
ere
: sacred image;
ibi
: born;
eji
: two), remain a point of access to the spirit of the departed individual. The mother provides ritual care to the wooden figures, bathing, dressing, adorning, and feeding them. Such daily handling is responsible for giving their surface its distinctive patina.
Ere ibeji
invariably represent their subjects with mature adult physiognomies, and are often crowned with elaborate hairdos.
The size is 28 centimeters high and the weight is 348 gram. The condition is as pictured. A lot of damage with extensive loss of material to the hairdo.
Items can be returned for any reason or no reason at all. Your satisfaction is my first priority.
I do ship worldwide. The actual shipping fee will be charged, for Europe it will be no more than 21,00 USD and for the rest of the world it will be no more than 28,00 USD.
I do combine shipping if possible.