Description:

West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A pair of wood Ibeji figures depicting a nude male and female, both with glass trade beads decorating their bodies. They have the characteristic crested coiffure with exaggerated facial features and metal nails set in their eyes as pupils. The Yoruba have one of the highest numbers of twin births in the world, four times higher than in Europe, for example. The Yoruba believe that twins are two people who share one soul, if one dies, whether as a child or an adult, the surviving twin is considered to have little hope of living with only half a soul. A figure dedicated to the deity of twins is carved to be the earthly abode of the spirit of the deceased. Size: 3.75" Diameter x 9.5" H (9.5 cm x 24.1 cm).

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Amyas Naegele gallery, New York, USA

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.

#182127

  • Condition: Minor surface abrasions otherwise intact. Mineral deposits on the surfaces and lustrous patina.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

November 9, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000