Pair of twin figures "ere ibeji" from the "Master of the smiling face"

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Description

wood, reddish brown patina, small remains of black and red pigment, male/female, distinctive faces with laughing mouth, each carved with islamic triangle “tirah” on breast and back and with prominent sexual characteristics, slightly dam., missing parts (left hand of the male/coiffure of the female figure), min. insect caused damage (female), abrasion;
representing an especially likeable type, a particular favourite of collectors, known as the “smiling” type. From the “Master of the smiling face” from Ila Orangun.

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Comparing literature

Polo, Fausto, Enzyklopädie der Ibeji, 2008, ill. 559 Stoll, Gert, Ibeji, Zwillingfiguren der Yoruba, München 1980, p. 293

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