African art > African statues : tribal fetish, maternity > Yoruba Twins

Yoruba Twins (N° 14997)

Here, the "abiku", which is protectively dented, is available in coloured necklaces and a chain made up of cauris that unites the doll statuettes "ere" (statues), evoking twins. Their hairstyle is made up of braids gathered in a conical bun. Hands are placed on the hips. Smooth, sainy surface, residual dark inlays.
In the language of the Yoruba people, ibeji means twin: ibi for born and eji for two. They represent the figure of a deceased twin. This ibedji is then treated as the missing child would have been. It is the mother who must take care of him; she can wash and feed him regularly. If she dies, the remaining twin takes over. A man sometimes had ibeji for his wife to sculpt in order to arouse pregnancy. Supporting the soul of the twin, the ibeji influences the life of the family, becoming a source of blessings towards his parents, the latter continuing to pray to him and to devote to him cults and libations.
These statuettes of tribal art are among the best known works of the Yoruba ethnic group. Indeed, the occurrence of groaning in this ethnic group is stronger than anywhere else in Black Africa. This particularity naturally influenced and integrated their statuary.
A detailed comparative study of different regional styles was conducted by Fausto Polo and Jean David in the book Catalogue of the Ibeji. ( Ibeji , X. Richer, H. Joubert)  

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OriginCollection Mercier
EthnyYoruba
Countrynigéria
Material(s)wood, cauris, perles
Height cm24
Width9 cm
Weight0.65 Kg

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