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Yoruba  male Ibeji
Nigeria
Wood nice patina, metal eyes
11" high  circa: late 19th, early 20th century
# y2169-6
 $395 
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 Ibeji  The Yoruba people have an extraordinarily high number of twins born and unfortunately  there is also a large number of deaths during childhood. 

Twins are considered to be powerful spirits, so upon the death of one or both twins, the ibeji, a small wood figure, is carved to represent the deceased child.  The ibeji is treated just as if the child were still alive.  It is bathed. clothed, fed and generally looked after by the mother to assure that only good fortune is brought to the family. Ibejis are not carved to look like children but instead they appear as either male or female adults.