VINTAGE IBEJI TWINS FIGURE CARVED WOOD ORISHA YORUBA NIGERIA W. AFRICA 20TH C.

Description

GJPaw
Auctions is pleased to offer a
n authentic and stunning vintage
Ibeji
or "Twins" Figure
from the Yoruba people, Nigeria, West Africa. The
Yoruba people are the largest ethnic group in Africa. The population is concentrated in Nigeria and The Republic of Benin (formerly Dahomey). In both countries, the Yoruba constitute the majority population. The history of the Yoruba people dates back thousands of years, beginning with the Ife and Benin civilizations.
The Yoruba people of West Africa have a long history of ancestor worship practice in which each complex stage requires special objects created by artistic masters. One such example is the Ibeji or "Twins" figure. The Yoruba have historically been known to have a high rate of twin births; the highest in the world. Statistics today show that 44 out of every 1000 births are twins. Both diet and genetics contribute to this occurrence. These carved wooden sculptures represent the souls of deceased twins. Both twins are considered one Ibeji; a single soul sharing two bodies. They are sacred by birth and if one or both babies die, it is crucial that a ceremonial figure is made for the Ibeji soul. Though the figures represent infants who have passed, the carvings depict them as adults in their prime years. Once the parents receive their Ibeji figures they treat them just as they would a real infant. The figure is placed on a shrine dedicated to Elegba (a divine messenger) with the hope that the Orisha (the human form of the spirits)
, which was split in two parts when the twins were born, will now reside again in the figure that represents the dead twin.
This superb example is carved wood, with glass and plastic beads. It measures 2.75 inches in width by 2.5 inches in depth by 8.25 inches in height (6.98
cm by 6.35 cm by 20.9 cm).
It shows wear commensurate with use, including minor cracks and chips, but generally is in very good condition. It dates to the late 20th century. A fabulous collector’s item, coming from an important Midwest collection of African art, it is guaranteed authentic and would make a fine addition to any collection of African art in general.
GJPaw
Auctions has been in the Art business for over 25 years and is now expanding its operation to eBay.  Our goal is to bring the same experience and excitement of collecting that we have been delivering in-person to collectors across the globe at
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A1500-090