Ibeji

The Yoruba of Nigeria have one of the world’s highest twin birthrates and revere them as potent spirits called ere ibeji, literally meaning sacred images (ere) born (ibi) as two (eji). Twins who die from low birth weights and the high Nigerian infant mortality rate are honored with carved wood memorial images (Ibejis) that retain their spirit and are accessible to those wishing to connect with them. Extraordinary spirit beings housing the soul of a deceased twin, Ibejis are protected by the Sango the deity of Thunder, draw spiritual energy from the supernatural world and bring wealth, prosperity and fertility to their families.

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  • Sale!

    Vintage Carved Ibeji with Necklace, Africa, Nigeria Yoruba (1964BHA) SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $475.00.Current price is: $403.75.
    H: 9.625″  W: 3″  D: 3″ | FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This vintage Ibeji  portrays a simple yet strong elegance with his characteristic large conical head, long curved neck and elaborately striated hairstyle. His extremely large round bulging eyes under heavy lids, flaring nose, full lips, and large flat ears reflect the Yoruba idealized form of beauty and exemplify being a correct and upstanding example of tribal values. His prominent genitalia and buttocks and his sturdy vertical stance on wide feet, thick legs and strong rounded shoulders and arms symbolize his strength and fertility. Scarification patterns appear on his cheeks and forehead, and he wears a necklace with traditional Yoruba blue and multi colored beadwork.

  • Sale!

    Vintage Ibeji with High Round Hat, Nigeria, Yoruba (1965BHA) SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $385.00.Current price is: $327.25.
    H: 7.75″ W: 2.625″ D: 2″    FREE SHIPPING WITHIN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This Nigerian Ibeji carving reflects Yoruba artistic and cultural conventions with oversized elongated heads where one’s spirit, intelligence and seat of divine power lie and large coiffures. With  high rates of twin births with a high mortality rate, the Yoruba have a “twin cult” that honors deceased twin(s) with carved images. Mothers wash and clothe them daily and provide prayers, sacrifices and spiritual care. This unusual Ibeji is short and stocky with a simple tall hat rather than a plaited coiffeur. His bulging eyes have round indentations and his prominent lips are in slight smile and scarification of the Pele clan.

     

  • Sale!

    Vintage Yoruba Ere Ibeji with High Hat, Nigeria (1963BHA) SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $465.00.Current price is: $395.25.
    H: 7.125″  W: 2.125″  D: 2.25″ | Free Shipping IN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This finely carved Ibeji has distinctive Yoruba features. The elongated head is narrow, has full lips, thick eyelids, incised lashes, flat prominent ears, a high stylized coiffure and scarifications. The strong stance with hands on hips, massive legs and arms are visible signs of fertility and power. The elongated head is where one’s spirit, intelligence and the seat of  power lie. With one of the world’s highest twin births rate and mortality rate, the Yoruba have a twin cult to revering deceased twins as potent spirits and honor them with carved images to house their spirits and souls.

  • Sale!

    Vintage Yoruba Ere Ibeji with Thick Sandals, Nigeria (1967LAE) SPECIAL PRICE

    Original price was: $485.00.Current price is: $412.25.
    H: 9.5″  W: 3.25″  D: 3″ | FREE SHIPPING IN CONTINENTAL U.S.!

    This Nigerian Ibeji reflects the distinctive Yoruba artistic and cultural conventions with an oversized and elongated head where one’s spirit, intelligence and the seat of divine power lie, a high coiffure with plaits, bulging eyes with thick eyelids and incised lashes, smiling lips and scarification on his cheeks. His distinguishing features are his necklace with triangular pendants and remarkably high thick sandals that make him appear taller. With the world’s highest rates of twin births but high mortality rates, the Yoruba have developed a “twin cult” to honor the deceased twin(s) with carved images to house their spirits and souls.

     

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