Ibeji Figure Abeokuta – Wood – Yoruba – Nigeria

Appealing Ibeji  figure of the YORUBA tribe of Nigeria. Style: Abeokuta, Southwest Nigeria.

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.

Warm expression with  a beautiful aged patina, in good condition.