Yoruba ibeji twin figure doll , Female, African Start Price USD 290.00 Current Price USD 290.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, July 20, 2008 End Time Sunday, July 27, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Yoruba ibeji twin figure doll , Female, African' Description Yoruba ibeji "twin"doll, Female Type of Object: Carving  Ethnic Group: Yoruba Country of Origin: Nigeria Materials: Wood Approximate Age: 20th century        Dimensions:  13 inches      Overall Condition:  Stable cracks in the head, back and base     Damage, Repair:  None     Additional Information: Fine shinning patina. "Among the Yoruba, who have the highest rate of twins in the world, the arrival of twins is seen as both a blessing and an omen because of the high mortality rate. If a twin died, an image dedicated to Ibeji ,the deity of twins, was carved to serve as the earthly abode for the spirit of the deceased. ("AFRICAN DOLLS FOR PLAY AND MAGIC," by Dagan.)"Among the Yoruba, twins have special powers, much like the orisha. and are to be treated with respect throughout their lives. If a twin dies, the mother seeks a diviner's advice about which carver should make the ere ibeji to stand in for the dead child. Once the figure is carved, the artist activates it by soaking it in a special solution and rubbing it with specific oils. The mother treats the ere ibeji as if it were alive, feeding, dressing, and bathing the image. Its face is washed with soap or sugarcane fiber, then rubbed with a cloth and indigo or laundry bluing. After a period of time, the facial features may be rubbed away." Recommended Reading: See ISN'T S/HE A DOLL -PLAY AND RITUAL IN AFRICAN SCULPTURE" by Cameron. And also "AFRICAN DOLLS FOR PLAY AND MAGIC," by Dagan.**029142** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. SquareTrade © AP6.0 PesaMember Place a Bid!