Ibedji twin figure, YORUBA, Nigeria, ca 1980

Twins are relatively common among the Yoruba. Twins are thought to bring happiness to the household and the tribe. The death of a twin is therefore a disaster in more than one way. A statue is often made of a deceased twin, an Ibedji statue like this one. This serves to house the spirit of the deceased child and also to be a companion for the twin who is still alive. This statue is cherished and cared for; washed, almost fed and sometimes decorated with cowrie shells and strings of colored beads. Metal rings are also hung around the neck and arms, just like with this statue. In this case around the arms. This is a decorative but beautifully carved statue with a strikingly refined hairdo, neat and crafted and in a warm brown color. Good condition. See the photos.

Length: 24 cm
Weight: 223 grams
Origin: Nigeria
Date: ca 1980