Yoruba Ibeji or 'Twins' Figure

Bare and compact, with only a red and white collar, and holes where the hands meet

This Ibeji or ‘twins’ figure is Yoruba, from Nigeria, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century. It is painted & carved wood, glass & plastic. Though the figures stand for infants who have passed, they are carved as adults in their prime, suggesting strength, vitality and fertility through broad shoulders for boys and full forms for girls. A short standing figure with a domed head, carved brow lines and a slender neck bead collar in red and white. Arms press to the sides with small open gaps at the waist and torso. The finish is scuffed, dark and glossy. It is 2.75 inches wide, 2.5 deep and 8.25 high.

Little ornament, plenty of personality, and a satisfyingly worn finish.