Yoruba Ibeji man woman couple Nigeria

Description

Powerful Yoruba Ibeji man woman pair from Nigeria with warm patina and refined look.

Yoruba Ibeji man woman couple from Nigeria. Finely carved twin statues with an even patina, characteristic facial features and original ritual decorations. Both figures wear beaded necklaces around the waist, while the wrists feature beaded chains and cowrie shells. These additions emphasise their status and spiritual significance.

Origin & meaning
Within Yoruba culture, Ibeji images are associated with twins and their spiritual protection. When a twin child died, an Ibeji was crafted to house the soul; taking care of these statues brought prosperity and protection to the family. Beads and cowrie shells were considered symbols of prosperity, protection and ritual power. This pair comes from the Schuhmacher collection and was later acquired through De Zwaan auction house.

Provenance
Ex Schuhmacher collection; later De Zwaan auction house.

Dimensions & condition
Height 27 cm, width 9 cm, depth 8 cm (per figure).
Good, authentic condition with light signs of use and age appropriate to its age. The surface shows an even, collectible patina. The beads and cowrie shells around the waist and wrists are well preserved and enhance the ritual character.