Male twin figure "ere ibeji" ·  Nigeria, Yoruba, Igbomina, Ila Orangun · ID: 3038547

Description

wood, brown patina, camwood powder, encrusted in some areas, richly adorned, facial features abraded, slightly dam., traces of insect caused damage (coiffure), fine cracks, metal plate;
“ibeji” figures are memorial figures for deceased twins. They are oiled, dressed, decorated, fed, sung to, danced with, caressed, put to bed at night and awakened in the morning, and sometimes carried to the market in search of alms. When the mother of a departed twin dies, through divination it may be determined that the twin figures should be buried with her. In other cases they may be passed on to another woman in the family to be cared for.

Comparing literature

Fagaly, William, Ancestors of Congo Square, New Orleans 2011, p. 196