Though the cause of the high rate of twin births among Yoruba women has not been established, the cultural
grieving process is well documented and may be observed in the carving of a figure known as Ere Ibeji, which
both represents the lost child and serves as a ritual point of contact with the soul of the deceased. The carving
of the Ere Ibeji is commissioned under the guidance of an Ifa diviner, a Babalowo, whom the parents consult in
selecting the particular artist who will do the work. The sculpture itself represents a deceased infant, but is
carved with features and attributes of an adult. The sculptural features of genitalia, pubic hair, wide hips,
developed breasts, gender specific facial scarification and mature coiffures exude an erotic sexuality,
uncommon for infants. Tthe completed ibeji figure is carved as an adult, rather than as the deceased infant, in
a mythological form that depicts the concentrated calm of a Yoruba artist.
Though the cause of the high rate of twin births among Yoruba women has not been established, the cultural grieving process is well documented and may be observed in the carving of a figure known as Ere Ibeji, which both represents the lost child and serves as a ritual point of contact with the soul of the deceased. The carving of the Ere Ibeji is commissioned under the guidance of an Ifa diviner, a Babalowo, whom the parents consult in selecting the particular artist who will do the work. The sculpture itself represents a deceased infant, but is carved with features and attributes of an adult. The sculptural features of genitalia, pubic hair, wide hips, developed breasts, gender specific facial scarification and mature coiffures exude an erotic sexuality, uncommon for infants. Tthe completed ibeji figure is carved as an adult, rather than as the deceased infant, in a mythological form that depicts the concentrated calm of a Yoruba artist.
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