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Ere Ibeji Pair of Commemorative Figures, Oshogbo, Yoruba People, Nigeria, 20th C
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: Male: 27 cm - Female 29 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: 11.42 in (29 cm)Width: 3.35 in (8.5 cm)Depth: 2.56 in (6.5 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 2
- Style:Tribal (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1960s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading.
- Seller Location:Aramits, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6432238789872
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