Flat, Female Ere Ibeji-like Figure

Flat, Female Ere Ibeji-like Figure

Yoruba Culture

before 1974

Yoruba Culture

West Africa

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. While this piece follows the general conventions of traditional ere ibeji figures, they are much less refined in both craftsmanship and detail.


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

20th Century

21.6 cm h. x 1.3 cm w. x 6.4 cm d.

Sculpture

Wood

Carved Design, Ink , Paint

Frances Davis Extended Loan, 1974.

1974.044

1974

20200046 and 20200047