YORUBA Tribe IBEJI Twin Male Figure Nigeria. BEADED Jewelry, COWRIE SHELLS
I removed the shell belt as it was just dangling there. It will need to be tied back on....
Piece shows some wear to it from age. I believe this to be from the 60's....
I only have one of the twin Ibeji dolls...the male.
Ship Weight 1-lb
"The Yoruba of Nigeria have the highest recorded rate of twin births in the world with an estimate 45 sets of twins in every 1,000 births." In Yoruba culture, "Ibeji" refers to a pair of carved wooden figures representing twins, considered spiritually powerful beings, where if one twin dies, a dedicated "Ibeji" statue is created to house the spirit of the deceased twin, with the surviving family caring for it as if it were still alive, offering food and washing it as part of ritual practices; essentially acting as a memorial to the departed twin and a way to appease their spirit.
Key points about Ibeji...Significance of twins. Yoruba people have one of the highest recorded
twin birth rates globally, and twins are seen as a blessing, often believed to share a single soul.
Ere Ibeji The carved figures representing twins are called "Ere Ibeji".
After a twin's death, the "Ere Ibeji" is meticulously cared for by the family, including dressing it in clothes,
feeding it, and washing it regularly. These figures often feature elaborate hairstyles, beaded jewelry, and detailed facial features, reflecting the Yoruba aesthetic. It is believed that if the Ibeji figures are neglected,
the spirit of the deceased twin may bring misfortune to the family.