Female twin figure "ere ibeji"

Description

wood, reddish brown patina, black paint at the coiffure, strings of glass beads, beautiful modelled head with regular facial features, drilled pupils without nail heads, cap-like coiffure with grooved pattern, slightly dam., hairline crack (right side of the body), rep. (base);
an “ibeji” figure is carved as symbolic replacement for a deceased twin and in order to serve as new abode for his soul.The “babalawo” performs the traditional ritual of transferring the soul into the wooden figure. They are called “ere ibeji”. The Yoruba word “ibeji” means “twin”, “ere” = “sacred image”.