Lot 4021
Ere Ibeji Yoruba Nigeria Wood Sculptures
Passed — did not sell at this auction
About this lot
Estimated Value: $ 450-650
Origin: Central Africa, SE Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, mid-20th c.
Dimensions: 4.5x3x11in.
Condition: There are no visible signs of flaws in two of the sculptures. The third one has a natural crack in the wood down the back.
Additional Information: Three hand carved and painted wooden sculptures in the nude decorated with beaded belts, bracelets, and blue head pieces. The sculptures are carved to honor twins. Two of the sculptures are twins with matching necklaces and bracelets. One is a male and one is a female. The third sculpture is of a female with boxy shoulders. She is missing her twin.
These are “ere ibeji” figures or representations of one or more deceased twins. It is the hope of every Yoruba women to give birth to twins. Twins are considered spiritually sacred by the Yoruba. In fact, that hope and desire of having twins have given the Yoruba among the highest birthrate of twins. When one of the twins, or both die, the mother commissions an “ibeji” to be made. The mother dances a fertility dance with one or more of the “ibeji” in her waistband. She treats each of the twins as spiritually still with the living, even “feeding” the statue with egg. Provenance: Reportedly from Michele Herling Gallery, Dallas, TX.
Lot details
- Lot
- 4021
- Closed
- June 27, 2025
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