Ibeji statuettes, embodiment of the missing child in Yoruba African art. Wide almond-shaped eyes, deep scarification on the faces, braids combined into a crest and identical physiognomies that illustrate the aesthetic traditions in Yoruba African art. Solidly encamped on circular supports, these twins wear pearl and cowrie shell ornaments and large metal rings, these elements being associated with the sacred. Chocolate patina, matte inlays. In the language of the people Yoruba , ibeji means twin: ibi for born and eji for two. They represent the figure of a deceased twin. These African statuettes named ibeji are then treated as the missing child would have been. It is the mother who must take care of them; she can wash and feed them regularly. If she dies, the remaining twin takes over. The ibedji is considered to be more than a physical representation of a loved one and influences the life of the family, which is why the family continues to pray to him and to dedicate cults and libations to him. These pieces are among the most famous art objects of the Yoruba ethnic group. In fact, the occurrence of gemellity in this ethnic group is stronger than anywhere else in Black Africa. This peculiarity has naturally influenced and integrated their statuary. There are indeed dozens of different stylistic trends for these famous pieces. A meticulous comparative study was carried out by Fausto Polo and Jean David in the work Catalogue of the Ibeji.
Sold for 380.00 € This item is sold with its certificate of authenticity
You could also be interested by these items
If your offer is accepted, the item will be ordered on your behalf automaticaly. By making offer, you accept the selling conditions.
You must login to make an offer Log in