Statuetta(e) (2) - Legno, Perle di vetro, Chiodi - Ibedji - Nigeria

Dimensions: 29 x 8 x 8 cm and 28 x 7 x 7 cm.
Wooden “Ibeji” Statuettes, named “Ere Ibeji” represent the spirits of deceased twins. Their carving is conducted by the instructions of an “Ifa”, a sorcerer of divination consulted by the parents of the twin, who will determine which sculptor will craft the sculpture. The sculpture represents a child, it is symbolically carved with adult and gendered features. Once the sculpture is done, a series of rituals is carried out in its honour. It is then brought to the family residence, where it will be considered as a member of the family, and placed on a dedicated altar. The family will then hope that the “Orisha”, the soul of the twins which had split in two at their birth, will inhabit the sculpture dedicated to the deceased twin.
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