Winter Associates, Inc.

Lot 218: Triplets "Ere Ibeji" Yoruba, Nigeria- $300-500

TRIBAL: Triplets "ere ibeji" Yoruba, Nigeria, middle brown patina with encrusted clay or wood powder in some areas, indigo blue and black paint at the coiffure, one female and two male figures, drilled pupils (nail heads missing), flat facial planes with broad noses and big eyes framed by eye lashes, horizontal and vertical incised scarification marks, males with glass bead decoration, female and one male with wood bead decoration, straight arms rest on thighs, incised oval bases, wear consistent with age, minor checking, 10 3/4" h. [NOTE: the Yoruba believe that twins and triplets have a combined, inseparable soul, thus the minute one twin/ triplet dies, the life of the other(s) is immediately imperiled. An artisan is ordered to carve small wooden figure(s) as a symbolic substitute for the soul(s) of the departed. A ceremony is held to transfer the soul into the wooden doll, which are called "ere ibeji". The "ibeji" is handsomely dressed and decorated with chains and rings, fed offerings, and washed and anointed (with a mixture of finely ground redwood and palm oil) at least once a week. Often when the mother takes the twin to the breast, the "ibeji" will get his portion too.]

Winter Associates
Monday, January 15, 2018 at 6:30 pm
19th & 20th C. LIGHTING; FURNITURE & ARTWORK; TRIBAL; JEWELRY; FINE GLASS & PORCELAIN; RUGS; ETC.   
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