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(Ere Ibeji)

Date20th century

Label TextTwins inspire both fear and wonder in Yorubaland, 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 sculpture is carved to remember them in the prime of life-forward-facing, confident, and dignified.

Object number81.17.613

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Documents International: Reflections in the Mirror: A World of Identity, April 23, 1998 - June 20, 1999

Credit LineGift of Katherine White and the Boeing Company

Dimensions11 1/4 x 10 1/4 x 5 in. (28.6 x 26 x 12.7 cm)

MediumWood, cloth, cowrie shells, leather, encrustation