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Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
Male Figure [Ere Ibeji]
Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
© Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami. All rights reserved.

Male Figure [Ere Ibeji]

Cultural Group
Date20th century
Mediumwood, stain, pigment and camwood powder
Dimensions9 1/8 x 3 x 3 1/8"
ClassificationsVisual Works
Credit LineGift of Alan Potamkin
Terms
    Object number2007.48.101
    On View
    Not on view
    Collections
    DescriptionIbeji are twin figures carved to replace a twin or twins who have died. The soul of a deceased twin is a very special spirit and is honored and tenderly cared for as if the twin were still alive. The wooden figure is anointed with camwood powder, rubbed with indigo, fed, clothed, decorated with beads or other ornaments, carried about, and put to bed at night. Ibeji have been appropriately called ‘affectionate presences’. The surviving twin cares for a figure of a deceased twin. If both twins die, their mother or another family member cares for the figures. Since twins run in families and are risky births, some families accumulate large numbers of ibeji over the course of several generations.
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Male Figure [Ere Ibeji]
    Nigeria, Yoruba people
    20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Male Figure [Ere Ibeji]
    Nigeria, Yoruba people
    collected between 1960-1973
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Female Figure [Ere Ibeji]
    Nigeria, Yoruba people
    ca. 1960
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Female Figure [Ere Ibeji]
    Nigeria, Yoruba people
    mid 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
    Female Figure [Ere Ibeji]
    Nigeria, Yoruba people
    mid 20th century
    Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami
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    Helmet Crest Mask (Epa)
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    Double Chamber Whistling Bottle
    Chimú
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    Jar
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