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Yoruba people Nigeria (Western Africa) TWIN (IBEJI) FIGURES, 20th century Wood, pigment Height 10 1/4 inches Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Bolling, Jr., 1975.63a-b
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The Yoruba are one of sub-Saharan Africa's oldest surviving cultures, with
origins that can be traced back about a thousand years. Located predominately
in Nigeria, the Yoruba are known for their diverse and creative artistic
production. One of their most distinctive sculptural traditions is represented
by these twin figures or ibeji.
Ibeji are created on the occasion of the death
of one or both of a pair of twins. This practice is rooted in the Yoruba
people's high regard for twins, whose arrival is viewed as auspicious. Not
coincidentally, the Yoruba have an unusually high frequency of twin births, as
well as relatively high infant mortality rate. According to legend, the Yoruba
once regarded twins as a bad omen. Centuries ago, mysterious deaths among the
children of one region caused the Yoruba to consult with an oracle. The
resulting advice was direct and has been followed for centuries: twins must be
honored.
Typically portrayed in adult form, ibeji stand
in an assured and fully symmetrical stance. Once carved, the twin statuettes are
placed in a household shrine and ritually cared for by the mother. In addition to
honoring them with prayers and offerings, mothers may even bathe and dress the
figures. As seen here, years of handling have rendered the surfaces smooth and
lustrous, except where the residue of ritually applied herbs has accumulated in the
curves and crevices. Such care is believed to help ensure the good fortune of
surviving family members.
Eileen Carr
SUGGESTED READINGS:
Henry Drewal, John Pemberton III and Rowland Abiodun. Yoruba, Nine Centuries
of African Art and Thought. New York: Abrams, 1989.
Robert Farris Thompson. Black Gods and Kings: Yoruba Art at UCLA.
Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1975.
