Ibedji twin statue, YORUBA, Nigeria, ca 1980

Twins are relatively common among the Yoruba. Twins are thought to bring good luck to the household and the tribe. The death of twins is therefore a disaster in several respects. A statue is often made for 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 surviving twin. This statue is cherished and cared for; washed, quasi-fed and sometimes decorated with cowrie shells and strings of colored beads. In this case, a jacket was made for the statue with cowrie shells. This is a decorative but beautifully carved statue with a strikingly refined hairdress, cared for and crafted with craftsmanship and in a warm brown color. Good condition. See the pictures. The jacket smells slightly of smoke.

Length: 26 cm
Weight: 475 grams
Origin: Nigeria
Date: ca 1980