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Carved female 'ibeji' figure

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  • WORLD CULTURES - Africa
  • Africa, West
  • carvings
  • cultural tradition
  • custom and belief
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Female ibeji figure, 20th century
West Africa, Nigeria, Yoruba people
Wood with painted details

Donor unrecorded
Museum number 9999-1490

Yoruba twins were considered sacred and viewed as an omen of good fortune for the family. If one of the twins died an ibeji was carved to represent the lost child. The figure was treated and cared for as if it were alive.

Carved female 'ibeji' figure
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