Yoruba, Nigeria: a male ‘Ibeji’ twin figure. Style: Saki, Oyo.
Among the Yoruba, in Southwest Nigeria, there is an above-average rate of twin births. For the Yoruba, twins have special significance (for a more detailed explanation, see cat. no. 54). The present ‘Ibeji’ twin figure, dyed dark brown, displays the typical, high plaited coiffure of the Saki-Oyo-style and typical tribal decorative scarification marks on the cheeks. Traces of earlier ‘feeding’ are visible on the face, as well as remains of sacrificial offerings with powdered redwood in the hairstyle and on the body. This ‘Ibeji’ stands on a rounded base and wears elaborate jewellery: two geometrically engraved anklets of old brass, each with two extra rings, a necklace of yellow Venetian glass beads, as well as two chains of small, red glass beads as bracelets. With beautiful, old and shiny usage patina. A perfect piece, in good condition, with no damage. There is an inventory number, in white letters, on the base rim.
Height: 27 cm; width: 8 cm.
First half of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
South African private collection.
Lit.:
see cat. no. 55.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
20.02.2017 - 14:00
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 300.-
Yoruba, Nigeria: a male ‘Ibeji’ twin figure. Style: Saki, Oyo.
Among the Yoruba, in Southwest Nigeria, there is an above-average rate of twin births. For the Yoruba, twins have special significance (for a more detailed explanation, see cat. no. 54). The present ‘Ibeji’ twin figure, dyed dark brown, displays the typical, high plaited coiffure of the Saki-Oyo-style and typical tribal decorative scarification marks on the cheeks. Traces of earlier ‘feeding’ are visible on the face, as well as remains of sacrificial offerings with powdered redwood in the hairstyle and on the body. This ‘Ibeji’ stands on a rounded base and wears elaborate jewellery: two geometrically engraved anklets of old brass, each with two extra rings, a necklace of yellow Venetian glass beads, as well as two chains of small, red glass beads as bracelets. With beautiful, old and shiny usage patina. A perfect piece, in good condition, with no damage. There is an inventory number, in white letters, on the base rim.
Height: 27 cm; width: 8 cm.
First half of the 20th century. (ME)
Provenance:
South African private collection.
Lit.:
see cat. no. 55.
Specialist: Erwin Melchardt
Erwin Melchardt
+43-1-515 60-465
erwin.melchardt@dorotheum.at
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Saleroom auction |
| Date: | 20.02.2017 - 14:00 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 11.02. - 20.02.2017 |