Anthropomorphic statuette of a twin Ere Ibeji, Yoruba culture, Nigeria, Early 20th C. "Exceptionnal" Ibeji twin with a a gorgeous patina presenting high-rank scarifications on the face, iron-nailed eyes and an imposing headdress worked on the back. Bracelets with colored glass beads and metal adorn each member. As Yoruba’s tradition advocates, a great care has been brought to this statuette which shows significant traces of use, especially on its face. The numerous scarifications on each side of the cheeks attest to a high social rank. In addition to the magnificent patina, the very cubist forms give this work a raw appearance combined with a great aesthetic. Formerly subject to many superstitions and acts of infanticide, twins in YORUBA country are much more common than in the rest of the world and are now hopefully considered a blessing, likely to bring happiness and luck to their family. The loss of one of them is seen as a curse that must be responded to through ritual activity by sculpting the deceased twin to "calm his spirit and restore balance". After consulting the bereaved family, the Ifa sorcerer mandates a sculptor in charge of creating the Ere Ibeji statuette which will be honoured before being given to the family. They will then have to treat it again as a new child and provide it with special care… The sculpted twin will indeed be fed, dressed, cared for, washed and decorated with pearls, a symbol of wealth and recognition for the calmed spirit. After being washed, it is very common for the twin to be coated with Cam powder (natural ochre pigment), yam or corn pastes mixed with shea butter, palm oil or peanut oil. As here, it happens that the eyes are also pierced with iron-white nails so that the statuette remains eternally awake… Songs and prayers will finally be celebrated in memory of the deceased to celebrate his / her spirit. This stylized sculpture of Oyo (Ogbomosho) type, with angular arms and a prominent tripartite headdress, was most likely the subject of a prolonged cult given the very pronounced patina on her face. It attests, like the concretions of paste present on the entire body, to the multiple care that was given to it. An oustanding ibeji, powerful and eye-catching for a very decorative statue. Information Art / country: African Art, Nigeria. Type: Ibeji twin Provenance: Ex-Private collection, Dr Yves B., Lyon, France. A certificate of authenticity from our gallery comes along with this statue. Condition: After very carefull checks: No erosion, cracks or whatsoever. Just a beautiful old patina commensurate with age. In therefore EXCELLENT CONDITION and STRICTLY AS PER VISUALS. Courier: Very cautiously packed and secured inside a professional parcel (double layer carton box, item wrapped inside small and large bubbles, well positionned in the center of the parcel and properly blocked by polystyrene flocks, fragile sticker all over the parcel). We are used to ship worldwide to European community, UK, North America (USA and Canada) + Asia and Oceania (Aus + NZL). Customs: Any shipment outside EU is subject to custom & duties fees. Please make sure to include the extra import fees in your overall cost when bidding. Our Cy cannot be hold responsible for them. Many thanks for your bids!