Dimensions and Weight:

Weight: 0.512 kg / 0.490 kg

Height: 29.5 cm

Width: 9.5 cm

Depth: 11 cm

Cultural Context

Function and Use:

Ibeji figurines are created to honor deceased twins. The Yoruba people have one of the highest twin birth rates in the world, and they believe that twins possess special spiritual powers. When one twin passes away, a figurine is carved to house the spirit of the deceased. This figurine is cared for and nourished like a living child to ensure the continued presence of the spirit within the family and to receive its protection and blessings.

Characteristics and Significance

Materials and Construction:

Ibeji figurines are typically carved from hardwood. They are often decorated with beads, cowrie shells, and sometimes clothed with fabric. These specific pieces feature bead adornments around the neck, which is a common element in traditional Yoruba sculptures.

Aesthetics and Symbolism:

These figurines are carved with distinctive Yoruba features such as facial scarifications, elaborate hairstyles, and upright postures. The eyes are typically wide and prominent, and the features stylized, reflecting both spiritual strength and Yoruba aesthetic values.

Cultural Role:

Ibeji figurines are not only spiritual intermediaries but also cultural artifacts that bear witness to the importance of family, memory, and continuity in Yoruba society. They represent the enduring presence of the deceased and the unity of twin souls, transcending the boundary between life and death.

Historical Context

The Ibeji tradition has existed for centuries and continues to be practiced among the Yoruba people. In addition to their religious role, Ibeji figures have attracted interest from collectors and scholars due to their rich symbolism and artistic expression.

Conservation and Heritage

Today, Ibeji figurines are preserved in museums and private collections around the world. They are valued not only as sacred objects but also as important examples of African art, reflecting the Yoruba people’s profound connection to the spiritual world and to their ancestors.

 

Provenance

Private collection ZAMBELLI/BRUGNACCHI, assembled between 1990 and 2023.

Transferred to the Spirit Land of Africa Gallery in 2023.

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