A Yoruba Ere Ibeji Twin Figure

Nigeria, early 20th century, carved wood female memorial sculpture with beads draping around the neck, waist, and wrist and metal shackles around ankles to represent the spiritual and physical confinement of the soul.

10 x 4 x 3 1/4 in.

From the Collection of the late Robert and Judith Weston, Detroit, Michigan

An Ere ibeji is a wooden carving of a male or female figure once used by the Yoruba. The figure is thought to be a focal point for the spiritual energy of the deceased twin who, according to Yoruba traditional thought, resides in the supernatural realm where he/she is cared for by a spiritual mother.

Families, particularly grieving mothers, take comfort in the belief that a spiritual mother is caring for and guarding the departed child. The Ere ibeji is ritually washed, fed, clothed and carried in a cloth wrapper on the mother’s back as a real baby would be carried. The Ere ibeji might also be decorated with camwood powder, blue paint, beads, shells, and precious textiles. But despite the fact that this carving can serve as a receptacle for the spirit of the dead child, Ere ibeji figures do not look like children. These figures are carved to represent an ideal type within the Yoruba criteria of beauty and in the prime of life—neither a child nor an old person.

Information courtesy of Smarthistory.

A few scattered surface marks to wood; otherwise good estate condition.