TERA Gallery - African Art and Antiquities

"Altering The Way You View The World Of Art"
Type of Object:     
    Yoruba Ibeji Double Vest

    Because the spirits of twins are believed to become deities
    (orisha), mothers and female family members of subsequent
    generations care for the ibeji as if they were a live child -- feeding,
    bathing, dressing and adorning them, often daily.  It is kept
    standing during the day, and is laid down at night.  The headdress
    will be constantly rubbed with sacramental Indigo oil, the body will
    be rubbed with red wood powder, sung to a nd prayed to. . And as
    a sign of dignity (in wealthy families), some Ibedji get pearl cloaks

    Often the Ibeji will be dressed in the same clothing as the living
    twin, or be decorated in a beaded vest,  a beaded cap,  or shown
    with raised sandals, indicating possible royal connections.

    The double vest presented in this collection is extremely rare
    because it was made for both twins, rather than one.


Ethnic Group:       
    Yoruba Society


Country of Origin:          
    Nigeria

Material:          
    Cowrie Shell
    Cotton Cloth

Dimensions:


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