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Name |
IBIJI FIGURES |
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Background / Origin |
Yoruba, Ibiji figures, Nigeria |
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Description |
The Yoruba’s rate of twin births is one of the highest
in the world; there is also a high mortality rate. They
regard twins as possessing supernatural powers and their
birth is the cause of great rejoicing. Also twins have a
combined, inseparable soul. If one dies an artisan is
commissioned to carve a small wooden figure as a
symbolic substitute. Two figures will be carved upon the
death of both twins to commemorate their passing. These
figures are called ibiji (ibi=born, eji=two) and are
supreme expressions of African spiritual art, prized for
the beauty and intricacy of their carving as well as
their decorations. The sculpted figure is fed, washed,
clothed, sung to, prayed to and carried around with the
living twin. In return the figure it is believed to
avert evil, strengthen family love and illuminate the
pathway through the valley of immortality to all who
treat it with respect and offer it tokens of affection.
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Reference Number |
43/83 |
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Height |
-190mm |
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Price |
US$ 150 |
 
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