Commemorative twin figure (Awon Ere Ibeji)

Label TextTwins inspire both fear and wonder in Yoruba land, where the rate of twin births is among the highest in the world. Twins are considered special children who can bring riches to their parents or misfortune to those who do not honor them. If a twin dies, a wooden statue (ibeji) is carved as a precaution due to the belief that the twins possessed one soul between them. The ibeji is then dressed with beads, washed, and kept on a family shrine. If both twins die, two ere ibeji placate their spirits while they await rebirth.

Object number81.17.610.2

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Art from Africa: Long Steps Never Broke a Back, Feb. 7 - May 19, 2002 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Oct. 2, 2004 - Jan. 2, 2005; Hartford, Connecticut, Wadsworth Atheneum, Feb. 12 - June 19, 2005; Cincinnati, Ohio, Cincinnati Art Museum, Oct. 8, 2005 - Jan. 1, 2006; Nashville, Tennessee, Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Jan. 27 - Apr. 30, 2006 [as African Art, African Voices: Long Steps Never Broke a Back]). Text by Pamela McClusky. No cat. no., pp. 26, 28-29, reproduced pl. 5.

Credit LineGift of Katherine White and the Boeing Company

Dimensions13 3/4 x 3 3/4 x 3 in. (34.9 x 9.5 x 7.6 cm)

MediumWood, pigment, beads, and nails