A very finely carved old wooden twin fetish idol with well handled surface and accented with indigo pigments. A Fascinating traditional carved wooden idol from the Yoruba peoples, who have one of the highest incidents of twin births in the world. 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. These figures, known as ere ibeji remain a point of access to the spirit of the departed individual. The mother provides ritual care to the figures, bathing, dressing, adorning, and feeding them. Such daily handling is responsible for the well handled and smooth surface. This idol measures 10.5 inches tall ( 11.75 inches on its custom professional base.)Provenance: From the collection of art historian Evan Maurer, co-author of Tabwa: The Rising of a New Moon & The Intelligence of Forms: An Artist Collects African Art.

Fair, well worn