ère ìbejì (Figure)

About this object

History of use

Based on the sacred duality of "twoness" (èjìwàpò) found in nature, such as life/death, right/left, male/female, twins are understood as bringers of wealth and blessings to their family if they are satisfied, or misfortune if they are dissatisfied. As a result, living twins are treated with a high degree of respect and favouritism. When a twin, or both, dies the parents consult a diviner (babalawo), who communicates the desires of the deceased; small commemorative wooden figures (ère ìbejì) are carved to honour and represent them. Yorubas believe that twins share a soul, so the family was to treat the figure as they would if the twin was still physically present. As a result, the twin was fed, washed and cared for. Rather than realistic representations, ère ìbejì are idealized forms. They are often decorated with cowrie shells, beaded or metal bracelets, necklaces, and anklets, and cosmetics, such as osun (camwood powder), indigo, and efun (white chalk). By the mid-19th century, Christianity and Islam began to influence the design of ère ìbejì. Yoruba Muslims sometimes commissioned ere ibeji with carved torah, or leather packets containing quotations from the Quran, while Yoruba Christians incorporated Virgin Mary medals or crucifixes. In the mid-20th century, manufactured or plastic dolls began to replace the traditional ère ìbejì. Today, these dolls, in addition to the use of photographs, continue to sustain the ère ìbejì tradition.

Iconographic meaning

The facial scarification on both cheeks (ila, or “lineage face mark”) indicates a specific community to which the represented deceased twin belongs.

Specific techniques

The indigo pigment would have come from the indigo plant or with laundry blueing imported from England.

Physical description

Standing wood female figure (ibeji) on oval base. Figure has a long trunk and arms on short stocky legs. Arms are at the sides. Has protruding stomach, breasts, and buttocks. Large head with facial features in relief of large protruding eyes having incised eyelids and eight incised notches on each cheek with three at the forehead. Tall pointed four-sided headdress with knob at top is patterned with incised lines. Recesses filled with indigo dye. Large pierced ears placed far back on the head. Earring of strung horn beads and one jasper. Arm on the right has brass bracelet with spiral incising. Two strings of dark horn beads at waist. Necklace of elongated blue beads with one red jasper bead. Incising at back of head, spine, and stomach. Carved wood piece with dark brown patina and red camwood in areas.