Ibeji Female

1972.07.0027

Thumbnail of Ibeji Female (1972.07.0027)

Detailed Images

Basic Information

Artifact Identification Ibeji Female   (1972.07.0027)
Classification/
Nomenclature
  1. Communication Artifacts
  2. :
  3. Ceremonial Artifacts
  4. :
  5. Funerary Objects
Artist/Maker Unknown
Geographic Location
Period/Date Colonial, 20th century
Culture Yoruba
Location On Exhibitin the Africa exhibit

Physical Analysis

Dimension 1 (Height) 25.8 cm
Dimension 2 (Width) 9.8 cm
Dimension 3 (Depth) 7.5 cm
Weight 535 g
Measuring Remarks None
Materials Plant--Wood, Glass, Metal, Plant
Manufacturing Processes Carved, Beaded, Staining

Research Remarks

Published Description

THE ROLE OF TWINS: The Yoruba people, located primarily in modern Nigeria, have the highest rate of twin births in the world. Among them, twins have a particular importance, since they are considered to be special beings, capable of bringing good or bad fortune. Ere Ibeji, carvings of twins, are commissioned if one or both of the twins dies. The carvings are cared for as though living. (9,10,11) If only one twin dies, then only one figure is carved; if both die, then two figures are created. 72.7.27, 83.5.17-18.

Description N/A
Comparanda N/A
Bibliography

Sieber, Roy. African Art in the Cycle of Life. Smithsonian Inst. Press. 1987. Vogel, Susan. For Spirits and Kings. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. 1981. Fagg, william. African Tribal Images. Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland Museum of Art. 1968; plates 126-132. Willet, _____. African Art. pp. 88,90.

Artifact History

Archaeological Data N/A
Credit Line/Dedication Gift of Norman and Carole Thomas
Reproduction no
Reproduction Information N/A

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