Blackened Male Ere Ibeji Figure with Beads

Blackened Male Ere Ibeji Figure with Beads

Yoruba culture

before 1974

Yoruba Culture

Southwestern Nigeria

The ere ibeji, or twin figure is made upon the death of a twin; if both die, two are produced. Because they represent the deceased spirit, the figures are lovingly washed, clothed, and fed as if they were the living child. The family places beads around the necks or wrists to symbolize affiliation with religion or professional organizations. even rarer examples, made for royal twins, have beaded garments. The figures are traditionally carved from woods and range from about eight to eleven inches in height; like all traditional Yoruba woodcarving, they are generally fashioned as nude adults, in the same sex as the deceased child, and they are depicted with the facial scarification of their lineage. Because of the heads association with luck and destiny, it is usually enlarged in proportion to the rest of the body. Ere ibeji figurines are either left plain or minimally painted; some have bodies reddend with a polishing powder made from camwood, and their hair is sometimes tinted with a commercial blue pigment. Most have acquired a shiny patina from frequent handling.

Researched by Ashlea Cross, MSU Student, 2005, Under the direction of Dr. Billie Follensbee

20th Century

21.5 cm h. x 9 cm w. x 9 cm d.

Sculpture, Carved wood with beads

Wood

Paint, Pigment, Carved Design

Frances Davis Extended Loan, 1974.

1974.010

1974

20200041