This Yoruba Ibeji twin figure has been vetted as authentic, with age and evidence of use.
There are cracks and major areas of wood loss that do not show well in the photographs. More coming.
The Yoruba, with a high rate of multiple births, feel that twins are very special and powerful. If a twin dies, a figure dedicated to Ibeji, the diety of twins, is carved to be the earthly abode of the spirit of that twin. The figure is nurtured by the mother and/or the surviving twin . Different hair styles, scarification, figure shape and style of carving indicate the origin of a figure. Often dressed and fed, some still have their special robes.
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