A Yoruba Twin Figure, "ere ibeji", by Maku of... Lot n° 25

Twin figure, "ere ibeji", from "Maku of Erin". Yoruba, Nigeria, Oyo State, Erin (City) Maku of Erin ohne Sockel / without base Wood, glass beads, coconut discs. H 32 cm. Provenance: - Walter Häusler, Tägerwilen, 1960s acquired in Nigeria. - Hammer Auctions, Basel (11.12.2019, lot 40). - Swiss private collection, Lausanne. Based on the stylistic characteristics, the present work can be attributed to the work of the master carver Maku from Erin(d. 1927),. About twins has always been puzzled: idolized or demonized, in legends and myths, even in astrology we find the pairs as an expression of the fascination that emanates from them. This is also the case among the Yoruba in southwestern Nigeria, who can demonstrably claim the highest twin birth rate in the world. Among the Yoruba, special supernatural powers are attributed to twins. On the one hand they bring luck, health and prosperity to the family and on the other hand they can ward off disaster, illness and death. For this reason, they enjoy special interest throughout their lives. For the Yoruba, twins possess a common indivisible soul. If one of the twins dies, the balance of this unity is disturbed and the surviving twin is consequently endangered. To avoid this, a wooden figure, called ibeji, is consecrated in a ceremonial ritual as a symbolic substitute dwelling place for the soul of the deceased. The well-being of the second twin then depends on the care and veneration of this ibeji. At the same time, another figure is also made to house the soul of the second twin. If both twins have died, the figurines will continue to be carefully guarded and kept as a memento until no one can remember the deceased. Further reading: Chemeche, George (2003). Ibeji. The Cult of Yoruba Twins. Milano: 5 Continents Editions. CHF 400 / 800