Pair of Ibeji Figures, late 19th-early 20th century (wood, pigment, beads, metal, cowrie shells)

Ere ibeji are carved by the Yoruba primarily as memorial figures for twins. (The Yoruba have the highest recorded birth rate for twins in the world.) Twins are considered to be spiritually powerful beings, able to provide help or to inflict harm. a: Male figure, with feet carved from undecorated rounded base. Figure wears a metal ring and 3 cowrie shells tied with rope on right ankle; further rope is wound around both feet. The figure has articulated genitals, partially obscured by a waist cord of flat, indigo discs and faceted blue and white beads, resting above protruding hips. Hands meet flush above the abdomen, with metal bracelets on both wrists. Two necklaces obscure the neck, one composed of small, round beads, the other with discs and a larger multi-color bead. Figure has cowrie-shaped, articulated ears, a worn, smooth face, and large, slightly projecting eyes, missing both of the metal inserts that once defined the pupils. A tall, conical coiffure is striated and covered in blue pigment, with a ring carved 2/3 to the top, and a bun surmounting. Some of the pigment has dripped below the hairline, and down the back of the head. Condition: good. Figure has a worn patina, with a surface chip to the right temple, losses to right wrist. b. Female figure, with feet carved from undecorated rounded base. Beads missing from articulated waist, defined by protruding hips. Hands meet flush above the abdomen, with 2 metal bracelets on the left wrist, one on the right. Projecting breasts are joined at the shoulders. Two necklaces of alternating shapes and colors obscure the neck. Figure has cowrie-shaped, articulated ears, a worn, smooth face, and large, slightly projecting eyes, containing metal inserts as the pupils. tall, conical coiffure is striated and covered in blue pigment, with a ring carved 2/3 to the top, and a bun surmounting. Some of the pigment has dripped below the hairline, and down the back of the head and onto the neck. Condition: good. Losses to right wrist, surface loss to upper back/left of coiffure, color possibly supplemented later.