Ojo pair from an old collection of Leon Underwood (British artist, primarily known as a sculptor, printmaker and painter, he was also an influential teacher and promotor of African art)
These carvings are called ere ibeji (‘ere’ means sacred image, ‘ibi’, means born and ‘eji’ means two). The family look after this figure as if it were alive: feeding, bathing, clothing, carrying it like a baby, and performing rituals on significant occasions, to ensure the balance of the shared soul. These figures show evidence of the years of attention and care they have been given, their facial features worn smooth with the handling they have received.
Yoruba carving has a number of characteristics including the shape of head and elaborate conical hairstyle which represent ideals of Yoruba beauty. These distinctive small standing figures are carved to portray the twin in adult form, and the sculptures may be dyed, or decorated with shells, glass beads and metal to enhance their status.
Provenance:
- ex Leon Underwood, United Kingdom
- ex Stother & Trice, London, UK
David Malík PhD
Founder/Director
