Antique Yoruba Tribe Ibeji Twin Figure Hand Carved Wood Statue Nigeria Africa

Description

Antique Yoruba Tribe Ibeji Twin Figures Hand Carved Wood Statues, Nigeria Africa
Condition is "Used". Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.
This is a hand carved wooden,
Yoruba made, Ere Ibeji figure. The word Ibeji means twins. Ibeji are considered sacred children and thought to be the bearers of magical powers and might among the Yoruba. The Yoruba people of central Nigeria have an amazingly high rate of twin births. Twins or one of the pair sometimes dies prematurely, which is not unusual due to the high child mortality rate in Africa. Sometimes circumstances would call for an Ere Ibeji which is a memorial figure to be carved of the deceased twins or twin. These Ere Ibeji figures are cared for by the mother and they are oiled, dressed, decorated with beads, fed, washed, sung to, and otherwise treasured and taken care of. This lavish attention and honoring of the spirit of the departed twin or twins symbolizes the family’s love for the departed twin or twins and also assures a good future free from tragedy for other family members.
Note: This is an old antique. The patina on the wood bears testimony to its age.
Please look at the pictures as they are part of the description.
Postage includes signature required and insurance.