Figurine, Yoruba; Nigeria
Wood, pigment; H. 11"
Ibeji re, omo edun
Ibeji re, omo edun
Kere-kere-yan
Behold twins, children of the monkey
Behold twins, children of the monkey
Become auspicious [implying "don't die"]
(Thompson, 1971, 13.2)
The Yoruba have the highest rate of
twin births of any people in the world. Additionally,
the birth of twins is considered a magical event.
Due to high infant mortality rates, however, one
or both of the children may die. Upon the death
specifically of a twin, wooden figurines are commissioned
that must be treated with the same respect and care
that the living child would be entitled to. This
also holds true in the unfortunate case of the death
of both twins. Having been carried, handled, and
oiled by a young woman for a prescribed period of
time, figurines of this type often attain a shiny
surface such as is evident in this example. This
well-carved and beautifully patinated old figure
probably comes form the northern part of Yoruba
country, according to Bill Fagg.
