Antique Ibeji Figure, Igbomina Yoruba Nigeria African Sculpture

A beautiful female Yoruba ibeji from the area of Igbomina. in North East of Nigeria, with the hairstyle and carving typical for the region. It is adorned with bracelets made of trade beads and has a lovely rich patina with traces of camwood from rtal washings.

Yoruba peoples have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twins are regarded as extraordinary beings protected by Sango, the deity of thunder. They are believed to be capable of bestowing immense wealth upon their families or misfortune to those who do not honour them. Powerful spirits in life, twins are honoured with carved memorial figures when they die. These figures, known as ere ibeji (literally meaning ere: sacred image; ibi: born; eji: two), remain a point of access to the spirit of the departed individual. (source: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York)