Ibeji Female
1972.07.0027
Detailed Images
Basic Information
| Artifact Identification | Ibeji Female (1972.07.0027) |
|---|---|
| Classification/ Nomenclature |
|
| Artist/Maker | Unknown |
| Geographic Location | |
| Period | Colonial |
| Date | 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 | N/A |
| Materials | Plant--Wood, Glass, Metal, Plant |
| Manufacturing Processes | Carved, Beaded, Staining |
Research Remarks
| 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. |
|---|---|
| Published Description | Under Review |
| 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
| Credit Line/Dedication | Gift of Norman and Carole Thomas |
|---|---|
| Reproduction | no |
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