Lot 90
West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, ca. early 20th century CE. A Female "ere Ibeji" figure standing with both arms at her sides upon an integral base adorned with blue beads around her neck and a single wire-and-bead earring. She presents with small breasts and a loincloth covering her lower genitalia, rounded shoulders, an elongated face delineated with full lips, a full nose, large bulging almond-shaped eyes, a cleft chin, ovular ears, three sets of facial scarification marks, crowned with a tall coiffure composed of two upswept sections that meet in a ridge. A wonderful example with a rich dark brown surface patina. Size: 3.5" L x 3.75" W x 8.875" H (8.9 cm x 9.5 cm x 22.5 cm).
The Yoruba have traditionally had a high rate of multiple births and have always valued twins as special. When one twin dies, a figure dedicated to Ibeji, the deity of twins, is carved to be the earthly abode of the spirit of that twin. The figure is then nurtured by the mother and/or the surviving twin. The Yoruba have one of the highest number of twin births in the world, four times higher than in Europe, for example. Ibeji are known to the Yoruba as two people who share one soul. If one of the human twins dies, whether as a child or an adult, the surviving human twin is considered to have little hope of living with only half a soul. Further, the deceased's soul must have a place to reside. Hence, a figure dedicated to Ibeji is carved to shelter the spirit of the deceased twin.
Provenance: ex-Adeon Gallery, Chicago, Illinois, USA, acquired prior to 1970.
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#126050
- Condition: Surface wear and scratches commensurate with age, minor loss to ear with earring, else intact and very good. A triangle has been carved into the bottom of the base.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |