Yoruba Ibeji or 'Twins' Figure

A squarish figure with hands at its sides and a smirk worth studying

This Ibeji or ‘twins’ figure is Yoruba, from Nigeria, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is carved wood. When one or both twins die, a ceremonial figure is made for the Ibeji soul, and some figures take days or even weeks to carve with ritual and care. A standing carved figure with a flat-topped dark cap, a broad face with a small mouth, and arms close to the body. Wide legs with a gap between them stand on a thick base. The finish is smooth with a brown worn patina. It is 4 inches wide, 3 deep and 11 high.

Plain-spoken in form, and very nearly in conversation.