Items Similar to Ere Ibeji Female Commemorative Figure, Egba, Yoruba People, Nigeria, 20th C
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 11
Ere Ibeji Female Commemorative Figure, Egba, Yoruba People, Nigeria, 20th C
$449.30per set
£334.42per set
€375per set
CA$615.43per set
A$684.50per set
CHF 357.42per set
MX$8,329.60per set
NOK 4,564.84per set
SEK 4,281.01per set
DKK 2,854.74per set
Shipping
Retrieving quote...The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation
About the Item
Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of thunder. They are believed to be capable of bestowing immense wealth and happiness upon their families if they are cared for and treated with respect, or misfortune to those who do not honor them. Powerful spirits in life, twins are honored with carved memorial figures when they die. These figures, known as ere ibeji (literally meaning ere: sacred image; ibi: born; eji: two) - “born two times”, remain a focal point of access to the spiritual energy of the departed individual. According to Yoruba traditional thought, the deceased twin resides in the supernatural realm where he/she is cared for by a spiritual mother.
The physical 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.
Height: Woman - 25.5 cm
The numbers are the inventory numbers from Penn State University and Lehigh University. Exhibited: The Pennsylvania State University - Museum of Art permanent collection; The Lehigh University - Art Galleries permanent collection. Provenance: The collection of Dr and Mrs John E. Swanson.
Dr John Swanson and his wife Marian lived from 1966 - 1981 in Lagos, Nigeria where Dr Swanson was the Advisor to the National Universities Commission and later on the Chief Planning Officer of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. During their time in Africa, the Swansons started to collect African art. In 1973 a part of their collection, circa 120 pieces went on loan to The Pennsylvania State University Museum of Art, where they remained until 1978.
In 1981 Dr Swanson passed away and his wife Marian never returned to Africa. In 1982 Mrs Swanson lent 130 pieces to the Lehigh University Art Gallery where they remained until 1987. A few pieces were also lent to Lafayette College - Williams Art Center for an exhibition titled "Plainly Geometric - Selections of Art from West Africa".
In 2018 Mrs Swanson passed away.
- Creator:Yoruba People (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 10.04 in (25.5 cm)Width: 3.15 in (8 cm)Depth: 3.15 in (8 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Tribal (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor fading.
- Seller Location:Aramits, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6432238809002
About the Seller
5.0
Vetted Professional Seller
Every seller passes strict standards for authenticity and reliability
Established in 2008
1stDibs seller since 2022
27 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 2 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Aramits, France
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllEre Ibeji Male Commemorative Figure, Yoruba People, Nigeria, early 20th C
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of ...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Ere Ibeji Female Commemorative Figure, Yoruba People, Nigeria, early 20th C
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of ...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Carved Wooden Statue of a Dancer "Queen Dancer", Egba People, Abeokuta, 1950s
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
A tall hand-carved statue of a dancer "Queen Dancer" crafted by the Egba People, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, circa 1950s.
The statue is hand-carved in a rather rough way, not very...
Category
Vintage 1950s Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Carved Wooden Statue of a Ju Ju Man, Egba People, Abeokuta, 1940s
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Tall hand-carved wooden statue of a Ju Ju Man crafted by the Egba People in Abeokuta, Ogun State (part of Nigeria), circa 1940s.
The pupils are made from nails, which intensifies the...
Category
Vintage 1940s African Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Ere Ibeji Pair of Commemorative Figures, Egba, Yoruba People, Nigeria, 20th C
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Ere Ibeji Pair of Commemorative Figures, Abeokuta, Yoruba People Nigeria, 20th C
By Yoruba People
Located in Aramits, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Yoruba people have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. As a result, twin children are regarded as extraordinary, divine beings protected by Sango, the deity of ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
You May Also Like
Fine Female Yoruba Ibeji Figure African Tribal Art Antiques
Located in London, GB
African tribal Art Antiques Female Ibeji figure Yoruba Nigeria
A Finely carved Ibeji Figure from early 20th century, with delineated teeth and l...
Category
Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Hardwood
Important Statue Of The Yaka Tribe, Dr Congo, early 1900
Located in Bilzen, BE
Important statue of the Yaka tribe, DR Congo from the beginning of the 20th century with a strong expression
Fair tribal patina
Height 35.5 cm
Provenance: Rob Vervoort (Belgium)
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Large Yoruba Ritual Shrine figure Abeokuta Nigeria African Tribal Art
Located in London, GB
Large Yoruba Ritual Shrine figure Abeokuta Nigeria African Tribal Art
A rare exceptionally large male Cup bearer ritual shrine figure standing upright holding a cup in front
carv...
Category
Mid-20th Century Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Carved Twin figure Ibeji Yoruba People, Nigeria
Located in Leuven , BE
A finely carved significant Yoruba Male Ibeji figure with a tall headdress, expressive eyes, original bead belt and heavy wear and polish from native use. Areas of encrusted camwood ...
Category
20th Century Nigerian Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
Early Ibibio Standing Wood Male Shrine Figure, powerful, Nigeria, Africa
Located in Point Richmond, CA
Early Ibibio standing carved wood male figure, powerful expression with hands on sides of stomach, exposed teeth and vertical raised scarification marks on sides of face. From a shr...
Category
Mid-20th Century Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
$2,360 Sale Price
20% Off
Mangbetu Female Figure, D.R. Congo, early 20th century
By Mangbetu People
Located in Bilzen, BE
Mangbetu Female Figure
Northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (former Zaire)
Early to mid-20th century, likely Lang period (c. 1920–1945)
Hardwood
Height: 45 cm
Provenance: Privat...
Category
Early 20th Century Congolese Tribal Tribal Art
Materials
Wood
