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Type: figure

Ethnic Group: Yoruba

Country: Nigeria

ECU Number: L0104-A

Description: These three wood figures include two twin figures (ere ibeji) and a seated Eshu figure.

Significance researched to date: The twin birth rate among the Yoruba is proportionately high compared to other geographic regions. Because twins double the financial burden, twins born in poor families were formerly put to death. The ruling families, however, instituted a twin cult under instructions from an oracle, which said that the killing of twins was offending Shango, the god of thunder. Mothers of twins had to dance to Ibeji, the spirit of twins, every five days. Offerings of food are thought to placate the spiritÕs temperament. Upon the death of a twin, the mother commissions an ere figure. If both twins die, two ere figures are carved. If the ere figure is not provided, the Yoruba believe that the soul of the deceased will seek vengeance by bringing terrible misfortune to the other twin or to the entire family. Ere figures are carved as the same sex as the deceased twin, but as an adult, with breasts and genitals indicating strength. Often the family Ila scarification marks are included. Indigo dye and ground camwood are rubbed on to beautify and protect the figures from harm. Beads associated with the orisa worshipped are selected. Cowrie shells or brass rings, cloths, finely detailed coiffures or hats are also carefully chosen.The ere ibeji are placed on the household altar. There they are fed and clothed just as the surviving twin is fed and clothed to placate Shango. Ere ibeji figures are dedicated to Shango, by the application of campowder. Shango is also known as Oko Ibeji, Òthe husband of twins.Ó The twinsÕ connection to Shango can also be seen in the clothing provided for the figures. Often tiny capes of cowrie shells are made for the figures. These capes, called Ewu Shango, are miniatures of the ones worn by priests during the Shango ritual. The cowrie shell symbolizes Shango in that he is the god of material wealth and the cowrie shell is an ancient form of money.With the death of the mother, Ifa is consulted. Ifa summons the spirit of Ibeji, who determines what should happen to the ere ibeji. Sometimes the figure is buried with the mother. Other times, the figure is passed to another family member to be cared for.(Drewal, 170-5; Perani, 147-8; Ulrich, 2; Gillon, 244)

Type:	figure
Ethnic Group:	Yoruba
Country:	Nigeria
ECU Number:	L0104-A

Description:	These three wood figures include two twin figures (ere ibeji) and a seated Eshu figure.
Significance researched to date:	The twin birth rate among the Yoruba is proportionately high compared to other geographic regions. Because twins double the financial burden, twins born in poor families were formerly put to death. The ruling families, however, instituted a twin cult under instructions from an oracle, which said that the killing of twins was offending Shango, the god of thunder. Mothers of twins had to dance to Ibeji, the spirit of twins, every five days. Offerings of food are thought to placate the spiritÕs temperament. Upon the death of a twin, the mother commissions an ere figure. If both twins die, two ere figures are carved. If the ere figure is not provided, the Yoruba believe that the soul of the deceased will seek vengeance by bringing terrible misfortune to the other twin or to the entire family. Ere figures are carved as the same sex as the deceased twin, but as an adult, with breasts and genitals indicating strength. Often the family Ila scarification marks are included. Indigo dye and ground camwood are rubbed on to beautify and protect the figures from harm. Beads associated with the orisa worshipped are selected. Cowrie shells or brass rings, cloths, finely detailed coiffures or hats are also carefully chosen.The ere ibeji are placed on the household altar. There they are fed and clothed just as the surviving twin is fed and clothed to placate Shango. Ere ibeji figures are dedicated to Shango, by the application of campowder. Shango is also known as Oko Ibeji, Òthe husband of twins.Ó The twinsÕ connection to Shango can also be seen in the clothing provided for the figures. Often tiny capes of cowrie shells are made for the figures. These capes, called Ewu Shango, are miniatures of the ones worn by priests during the Shango ritual. The cowrie shell symbolizes Shango in that he is the god of material wealth and the cowrie shell is an ancient form of money.With the death of the mother, Ifa is consulted. Ifa summons the spirit of Ibeji, who determines what should happen to the ere ibeji. Sometimes the figure is buried with the mother. Other times, the figure is passed to another family member to be cared for.(Drewal, 170-5; Perani, 147-8; Ulrich, 2; Gillon, 244)