Pair of twin figures (Ère Ìbejì)
Yorùbá artist
1 of 2
Object Label
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 Since the late nineteenth century, indigo has largely been replaced by cheaper, more readily available pigments such as laundry blue.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 Since the late nineteenth century, indigo has largely been replaced by cheaper, more readily available pigments such as laundry blue.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.
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) b: 12 1/8 × 3 × 2 3/4 in. (30.8 × 7.6 × 7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Coltrera Collection, 2010.22.1a-b. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Pair of twin figures (Ère Ìbejì)
Date
late 19th–early 20th century
Geography
Possible place made: Egbe, Kogi State, Nigeria, Possible place made: Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Medium
Wood, pigment, glass, metal, cotton, cowrie shells
Classification
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)
Credit Line
Gift of the Coltrera Collection
Accession Number
2010.22.1a-b
Frequent Art Questions
Why are the twins two different genders and what do those genders represent in the Yorùbá tradition?
The twins are two different genders because the sculptures represent an actual set of twins. Twins in general are considered spiritually powerful among the Yorùbá, some of whom believe they share one soul.The different sculptures are different genders simply because the set of twins that they were carved to emulate a fraternal boy and girl pair. That said, certain elements like shells and beads can be used to indicate gender, social status, and religious affiliation in works like this.Why do they now use a cheaper dye? Does the cheaper dye represent the class of the people or is it form of mass production?
It is a question of availability and mass production! Laundry blue and other synthetic pigments are both cheaper and more accessible.Is there some meaning to the different numbers of rings on their bodies?
Although I’m not sure if there is significance to the number of rings, the difference between the two is likely due to loss/breakage over time. Decorations like shells, glass beads, and metal rings are embellishments which enhance the twins’ honored status and can also reflect gender, social status, and religious affiliation. Metal rings are believed to scare off spirits that can lead twins towards death.Thanks.Why does the male twin not have eye balls inserted?
The metal inserts that once defined the pupils are missing. It’s unclear whether this happened while the object was in use or after it entered the art market. You’ll notice that the faces of both figures are quite worn. These sculptures were fed, rubbed with camwood paste, cleaned, and carried like real babies. The friction of these acts over years causes substantial wear and the build up of a patina.Tell me more.
Ere ibeji are carved as a memorial figure for deceased twins. In Yorùbá, “ere” means “image” and “ibeji” means “twin.”Among the Yoruba, twins are are considered spiritually powerful beings, possessing supernatural abilities.Some Yorùbá believe twins share one soul! If one or both twins die in infancy, the family will have a wooden figure carved to house the soul of the dead twin, perpetuating the às̩e̩, or life force, of the lost child.Thanks!!Why are their heads long?
The elongated, blue painted portion of the head represents an elaborate hairstyle. The conical shape of the head and elaborate hairstyle represent ideals of Yoruba beauty. Although these figures are created in response to the death of a child, they portray the twins as adults in their prime.Thank you!
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