Description:

A Collection of Nineteen Antique Yoruba Ibeji Figures, Nigeria, West Africa,
the Yoruba people of Nigeria, West Africa have one of the highest birth rates of twins in the world, with 45 of every 1,000 children born a twin, but also have a high mortality rate. In Yoruba culture, twins are considered to possess special powers: they are believed to be one soul, and must be cared for accordingly. If a twin dies in infancy, the family have a wooden figure carved to represent the dead twin.

These carved figures are called Ere Ibeji. The family look after this figure as if it were alive: feeding, bathing, clothing, carrying it like a baby, and performing rituals on significant occasions, to ensure the balance of the shared soul. Many of these figures show evidence of the years of attention and care they have been given; their facial features worn smooth with the handling they have received.
Yoruba carving has a number of characteristics including the shape of head and elaborate conical hairstyle which represent ideals of Yoruba beauty. These distinctive small standing figures are carved to portray the twin in adult form, and the sculptures may be dyed, or decorated with shells, glass beads and metal to enhance their status.

The elaborate style and beauty of the carvings are influenced by the powerful artistic and cultural traditions of the Kingdom of Benin, which flourished in southwest Nigeria between the 13th and 19th centuries.

Provenance:
Todd Barlin Collection & One from the Allen D. Christensen Collection USA & Australia Coll No CC40117

Christensen was one of the great collectors African & Oceanic Art & his collection is featured in many of the best museums around the world.

& The Todd Barlin Collection of Oceanic Art

  • Dimensions: H 20-25 cm

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Shipping

All lots must be paid for and collected by 4pm AEST Monday 8 November. Unfortunately we cannot arrange shipping from this location, however we can arrange the goods to be removed to our rooms at the buyers expense.

8 August 2022 18:00 AEST
Stanmore, Australia

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
A$0 A$49 A$5
A$50 A$99 A$10
A$100 A$299 A$20
A$300 A$499 A$25
A$500 A$999 A$50
A$1,000 A$1,999 A$100
A$2,000 A$4,999 A$200
A$5,000 A$9,999 A$500
A$10,000 A$19,999 A$1,000
A$20,000 A$49,999 A$2,000
A$50,000 A$99,999 A$5,000
A$100,000 A$199,999 A$10,000
A$200,000 A$499,999 A$20,000
A$500,000 + A$50,000