Yoruba Ibeji Carved Wooden Male Figure

This beautiful standing Ibeji male figure has a modernist lines and a magnificent head posture.

These figures, known as ere ibeji (literally meaning ere: sacred image; ibi: born; eji: two), remain a point of access to the spirit of the departed individual. The mother provides ritual care to the figures, bathing, dressing, adorning, and feeding them. Such daily handling is responsible for giving their surface its distinctive patina. Ere ibeji invariably represent their subjects with mature adult physiognomies, and are often crowned with elaborate hairdos.

Date: 20th Century
Origin: Yoruba
Country: Yorubaland
Material: Wood
Height: 22 cm
Width: 5 cm
Provenance: Ex-Nettleship Collection

Expected surface wear with scuffs, chips, abrasions commensurate with age and use. The wood has developed a warm patina resulting from age and use.