Vintage Yoruba Ere Ibeji Twin Figure
Ere Ibeji are small carved wooden figures made by the Yoruba people of Nigeria to honor a deceased twin. The Yoruba have one of the highest twin birth rates in the world, and twins are considered deeply spiritual and powerful beings. If one twin passes away, the family commissions an Ere Ibeji ("image of the twin") to house the spirit of the lost child.
These figures are often lovingly cared for — bathed, dressed, and even fed — as a way to maintain balance and harmony in the family. Each one is unique, with stylized features and they hold deep emotional and cultural meaning.
This example still has some of its likely once brightly coloured decoration seen all over. Can just imagine what this originally looked like - stunning.
Condition: Good - wear to the paint and large (we assume original) crack in the wood
Size: W 9cm x D 8cm x H 33cm
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