Yoruba, Saki, Nigeria
1900 to 1920
Wood, metal rings, beads, pigment, offering remains
Height 11 1/2 in (29.2 cm)
Provenance: Plocki collection, London
This ere ibeji figure from Saki is carved with a high blue-pigmented coiffure, rounded facial features, facial scarification, and the compact standing body reflective of Yoruba twin figure conventions. Ere ibeji were cared for as living presences by the mother of a deceased twin, washed, fed, dressed, and adorned as points of access to the spirit of the child. The figure retains metal rings, beads, pigment, and offering remains, with deep wear and patina across the body, base, and adornments consistent with sustained devotional use.
The attached metal rings carry meaning beyond adornment, as iron in Yoruba ritual practice is associated with Ogun, the orisha of iron, tools, and protective force. Together with the beads and offering remains, they reflect a figure that was actively maintained as a family ritual object, honored with the care appropriate to a living child.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Yoruba, Saki, Nigeria
1900 to 1920
Wood, metal rings, beads, pigment, offering remains
Height 11 1/2 in (29.2 cm)
Provenance: Plocki collection, London
This ere ibeji figure from Saki is carved with a high blue-pigmented coiffure, rounded facial features, facial scarification, and the compact standing body reflective of Yoruba twin figure conventions. Ere ibeji were cared for as living presences by the mother of a deceased twin, washed, fed, dressed, and adorned as points of access to the spirit of the child. The figure retains metal rings, beads, pigment, and offering remains, with deep wear and patina across the body, base, and adornments consistent with sustained devotional use.
The attached metal rings carry meaning beyond adornment, as iron in Yoruba ritual practice is associated with Ogun, the orisha of iron, tools, and protective force. Together with the beads and offering remains, they reflect a figure that was actively maintained as a family ritual object, honored with the care appropriate to a living child.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
