Ere Ibeji, female (twin figure)
About This Item
Ibeji figures honor their death. Twins are sacred in Yoruba culture, and considered children of Shango, the god of thunder and lightning. They can also be carved at the time of one twin's death, to prevent the surviving twin from joining its sibling in the otherworld. Consequently, parents of the deceased twin can still feed, clothe, dance with, or sing to the ibeji, so that the departed twin feels content. Reliquary figures are places above bark baskets or boxes that contain relics, or spiritual remains. Figures can be kept within the home, like the ere ibeji; as embellishments to ceremonial staffs; or places on shrines commemorating ancestors.
- Date
- 1970s
- Geography
- Yoruba people, Nigeria, Africa
- Medium
- carved wood
- Context
Research in the Global Museum’s archives show that most of the Africa collection comes from West Africa, yet the variety of objects here originated from almost every region in the continent, characterizing the itinerant movements people have between their neighboring communities. Materials and designs reflect their particular source communities and show evidence of cultural exchange and trade routes. On a deeper level, ceremony intermingles with daily life. There is balance between the living and the dead, where deceased loved ones or powerful spirits are embodied with human and/or animal characteristics to protect, soothe, or guide the living.
- Height
- 12.25 in
- Width
- 4 in
- Depth
- 3.75 in
- Copyright
- Copyright status unknown. Some materials in these collections may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction of some materials may be restricted by terms of gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing, and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
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