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Female “twin” figure with cowrie shell cloak (ere ibeji)
Female “twin” figure with cowrie shell cloak (ere ibeji)

Female “twin” figure with cowrie shell cloak (ere ibeji)

Artist
Date20th century
MediumWood, metal, glass beads, cowrie shell, cloth, fiber, and pigment
Dimensions10 5/8 x 9 1/16 x 7 1/16 inches (27 x 23 x 18 cm)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineGift of Dr. and Mrs. Robert M. Segaul
Object number1975.57.6
Collections
  • AFRICAN
Label TextThe Yoruba have one of the highest rates of twin births in the world. Twins (ibeji) are considered special children whose birth signifies good fortune. The loss of a twin is considered a great misfortune. If a twin dies, the mother has a memorial figure (ere ibeji) made and the soul of the deceased twin is transferred to it. The figure is then kept in the home where the mother continues to care for it. This female twin figure wears a cloak of traditional cowrie shell currency, a sign of the material wealth and prosperity of the family who commissioned it.