Yorùbá artist. Pair of twin figures (Ère Ìbejì), late 19th–early 20th century. Wood, pigment, glass, metal, cotton, cowrie shells, a: 12 × 3 × 5 in. (30.5 × 7.6 × 12.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Coltrera Collection, 2010.22.1a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2010.22.1a-b_front_PS6.jpg)
Yorùbá artist. Pair of twin figures (Ère Ìbejì), late 19th–early 20th century. Wood, pigment, glass, metal, cotton, cowrie shells, a: 12 × 3 × 5 in. (30.5 × 7.6 × 12.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Coltrera Collection, 2010.22.1a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2010.22.1a-b_threequarter_PS6.jpg)
Pair of twin figures (Ère Ìbejì)
Arts of Africa
Sculptures called ere ibeji are carved by the Yoruba primarily as memorial figures for twins. Because twins are considered spiritually powerful beings, able to provide considerable good or to inflict harm, ibeji figures are the focus of great personal interaction and care. Such figures are considered a point of access to the spirit of a departed twin and an icon of status for a mother of twins.
Historically, indigo dye was used to color the hair of ibeji figures. Since the late nineteenth century, indigo has largely been replaced by cheaper, more readily available pigments such as laundry blue. Ibeji figures are often adorned with items associated with wealth and prosperity, among them cowrie shells, or with beadwork corresponding to particular Yoruba deities.
Historically, indigo dye was used to color the hair of ibeji figures. Since the late nineteenth century, indigo has largely been replaced by cheaper, more readily available pigments such as laundry blue. Ibeji figures are often adorned with items associated with wealth and prosperity, among them cowrie shells, or with beadwork corresponding to particular Yoruba deities.
CULTURE
Yorùbá artist
MEDIUM
Wood, pigment, glass, metal, cotton, cowrie shells
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS
- Possible place made: Egbe, Kogi State, Nigeria
- Possible place made: Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
DATES
late 19th–early 20th century
DIMENSIONS
a: 12 × 3 × 5 in. (30.5 × 7.6 × 12.7 cm)
b: 12 1/8 × 3 × 2 3/4 in. (30.8 × 7.6 × 7 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Arts of Africa
ACCESSION NUMBER
2010.22.1a-b
CREDIT LINE
Gift of the Coltrera Collection
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
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.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Yorùbá artist. Pair of twin figures (Ère Ìbejì), late 19th–early 20th century. Wood, pigment, glass, metal, cotton, cowrie shells, a: 12 × 3 × 5 in. (30.5 × 7.6 × 12.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Coltrera Collection, 2010.22.1a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2010.22.1a-b_front_PS6.jpg)
IMAGE
front, 2010.22.1a-b_front_PS6.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2011
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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