Nigerian Yoruba Ibeji Style Wooden Sculpture
Item Details
Artist unknown, Nigerian, Yoruban
Untitled (Ibeji), 20th century
Carved wood with resin and shell bracelets
Unsigned
A 20th century African carved wooden Ere Ibeji figure from the Yoruba region of Nigeria. The wooden figure is carved in a stylized representational manner displaying the aesthetics important to the culture to include a large conical head with expressive eyes and facial features and a straight stout posture. Usually, these figures are a set of twins named for an Orisha that represents the pair in the Yoruba religion. Each wrist of this singular figure is adorned with resin bead and shell bracelets.
The Yoruba tribes yield an abnormal rate of both twin births and also infant mortality. Mothers commission these carved memorial figures to represent the soul of the deceased infant. The figures are highly respected and would be ritually dressed, adorned, fed and cared for by the mother.
Condition
- surface abrasions to edges and underside of sculpture; uneven base causes sculpture to easily fall over; toning and accretions to bracelets
Dimensions
Item #
18BAL159-094