OYO group, pair of male and female ERI IBEJI, Yoruba, Nigeria, Africa

Both OYO Ibejis standing upright with the hands on the hips, with bead necklaces and bracelets, also with a high hairdo with remaining indigo blue pigments and the bodies covered all over with now washed-out camwood powder, the faces with a nice touch patina.  Yoruba peoples have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world (0,05%). As a result, twins are regarded as extraordinary beings protected by Sango, the deity of thunder. They are believed to be capable of bestowing immense wealth upon their families or misfortune to those who do not honor them. Powerful spirits in life, twins are honored with carved memorial figures when they die. More than just memorials, these sculptures are regarded as containers for the soul of the deceased. These figures, known as ere ibeji (literally meaning ere: sacred image; ibi: born; eji: two), remain a point of access to the spirit of the departed individual. The mother provides ritual care to the wooden figures, bathing, dressing, adorning, and feeding them. Such daily handling is responsible for giving their surface its distinctive patina. Ere ibeji invariably represent their subjects with mature adult physiognomies, and are often crowned with elaborate hairdos. The size is 26 centimeters high and the weight is 353 gram for the male and 315 for the female. The condition is as pictured and as described. Items can be returned for any reason or no reason at all. Your satisfaction is my first priority. I do ship worldwide. The actual shipping fee will be charged, for Europe it will be no more than 21,00 USD and for the rest of the world it will be no more than 28,00 USD. I do combine shipping if possible.