Two male twin figures "hohovi" · Benin, Eastern Ewe · ID: 3040952
sold
EUR 520
Provenance
Henricus Simonis, Düsseldorf, GermanyHans Reinmöller, Ratingen, Germany (a: 1989/b: 1990)
Size
H: 22,5 cm, resp. 20 cm
H: 8.9 inch, resp. 7.9 inch
Description
wood, middle brown patina, a) figure with overlong arms, facial features strongly abraded, slightly dam., missing parts (left forearm, both foot tips); b) figure with extremely short legs, slightly dam., missing parts through insect caused damage (at the back of the base), both mounted on pedestal;
just like the “ibeji” figures of the Yoruba, the twin figures of the Ewe were carved for deceased twins.They serve as abode for the spirit of the deceased. Women used to care for them just like for living children, they were bathed and fed, had their own place at mealtimes got new clothes now and then.
Comparing literature
Simonis, Henricus, Ewe, Twin figures, Cologne 2008, p. 123