Twins take up a special place in the philosophy of life of the large
Yoruba tribe. One is the soul double of the other, which entails different problems and makes the twins an object of special rites.
If one or both of the twins die, little figures like this one, the so-called ere ibedji, are carved so that they remain or are continuously visualized in the family’s mind.
The bodies of these lovely figures are painted by the mothers with red wood flour (osun) and the hair is dyed with indigo or bright washing blue.
Both criteria are intact with this old object. If this should be your first Ibedji figure – it presumably won’t be your last.
Comes incl. termite damages on the back, collectors etiquette and catalogue number.
Info-Link:
Boris Kegel-Konietzko 
