Ire-Ibeji Figure
People: Yoruba
Medium: Commonly wood
It is extremely common in the Yoruba people to have twin births. Here, twins are celebrated and looked upon as good fortune. However, many children die within their first few years of life. It is not uncommon for twins to be born, having only one who will survive infancy. This is where the Ire-Ibeji figures become relevant and powerful to the Yoruba people. Often carved out of wood, a figure representing the deceased twin is commissioned by the mother or family, possibly in response to a suggestion of a diviner. The figure is then treated and cared for similar to a living child because it is believed that the spirit of the deceased twin is housed within the figure.[1] The power that the Ire-Ibeji holds is important because while good fortune can come from paying it tribute and respect, bad fortune can come from ignoring it.
Medium: Commonly wood
It is extremely common in the Yoruba people to have twin births. Here, twins are celebrated and looked upon as good fortune. However, many children die within their first few years of life. It is not uncommon for twins to be born, having only one who will survive infancy. This is where the Ire-Ibeji figures become relevant and powerful to the Yoruba people. Often carved out of wood, a figure representing the deceased twin is commissioned by the mother or family, possibly in response to a suggestion of a diviner. The figure is then treated and cared for similar to a living child because it is believed that the spirit of the deceased twin is housed within the figure.[1] The power that the Ire-Ibeji holds is important because while good fortune can come from paying it tribute and respect, bad fortune can come from ignoring it.
[1] Rand African Art, "Yoruba Ere-Ibeji." Accessed November 12, 2011. http://www.randafricanart.com/Yoruba_Ibeji_1.html.