Set of two Yoruba ibeji statuettes, Nigeria - Lot 157

Set of two Yoruba ibeji statuettes, Nigeria Wood with brown patina, lye blue, traces of camwood, metal, glass beads H. 28 cm and 28.5 cm Provenance: Galerie René Duperrier, October 13, 1987 Considered as beings with supernatural powers, twins born in Yoruba territory - an exception with an exceptional number of twin births - were first feared, then adored, and are the object of a special cult. The effigies we present here, called ere ibeji - meaning born (ib) two (eji) - have been pampered, nurtured and honored, as if they were alive. Iconographically not quite a pair, they nevertheless appear to belong to the same sub-group from the Igbomina region in northeastern Yoruba country. The faces are heavily scarred, the eyes are rimmed with palpebral folds and the pupils are metallic. The tall, mitred headdresses are elaborate, and the bodies of both the male and female effigies are still largely covered with solidified camwood or osun powder. Necklaces of ancient glass beads. Beautiful warm-toned, glossy patinas. Bibliography: Xavier Richer, texts by Hélène Joubert, Ibeji - Divins jumeaux, Somogy éditions d'art, Paris, 2016