Description:

A Group of Five Yoruba Carved Wood Ibeji Twin Figures, Nigeria, including three standing figures with independent beaded decoration around their necks, waists and, in one instance, ankles, height 9 3/4 in. to 10 in.; and two twin figures, each similarly bespangled beneath yellow and red beaded robes, height 12 1/2 in. and 12 3/4 in.

  • Provenance: Provenance: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Note: The unusually high number of twin births that occur in Yoruba society explain the equally high number of perinatal twin fatalities. It is believed that the mortality rate associated with twins has contributed to a special belief system, or cult, within the Yoruba tradition. If a twin dies, a figure dedicated to Ibeji, the deity of twins, is carved to represent the earthly presence of that twin's spirit. The figure is then nurtured and cared for just as the human counterpart would be.

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September 12, 2009 10:00 AM CDT
New Orleans, LA, US

Neal Auction Company

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