1983.05.0018
1983.05.0017
With a population of approximately 22 million, the Yoruba occupy the southwestern corner of Nigeria. The Yoruba have the highest incidence of twin births in the world at approximately 5%. The Yoruba believe that twins have a spiritual connection with god and can bring good (or bad) fortune upon their parents or the village. If parents fail to please the twins, Orisa Ibeji, the protector of twins, may inflict punishment upon the household through failed crops, sickness, or even death.
When a twin dies—which occurs frequently, for the Yoruba also have the highest incidence of twin deaths in the world—an Ibeji figure is carved and the soul of the deceased twin is transferred to it. The carved statuette remains with the surviving twin (or mother if both twins die) and is washed, fed, and treated as a living child.
Ibeji figures are carved in different regional styles. These two Ibeji, one male and female, were created according to the Abeokuta manner.
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